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March/AprilNewsletter 2013

Hi Friends –    The band and I are in Ft. Smith, AR for tonight’s show . Just finished soundcheck and we’re now just shooting the breeze as they say.   Talking about a lot of great songs and how I decide on certain songs and pass on others.  You know it’s tough but usually after hearing a song, I’ll sit and try to sing it as I would do it. I have to really “hear” myself singing it.  If I can’t do that, I’ll pass.  Sometimes there might be a few lines written that I would never hear myself saying or occasionally, a song will be written from a point of view that is just not my point of view.   If a singer’s lucky, he’s got to live with a song a very long time so it ought to be one that holds great meaning or has a melody you love or some redeeming value.  Of course I always say if I’d known I’d still be singing the great song  ”Farewell Party ” for all these years maybe I wouldn’t have jumped so many octaves on that ending! But then it wouldn’t be the same would it?  But a song like “Farewell Party” is just a rare gift.  It was written by the great songwriter Lawton Williams and the words are powerful.  Several other artists had already recorded it before me but in different tempos.  I just knew I was meant to record it and it certainly has become my most requested song —  and it’s a song I never tire of singing.  I’m glad it brings you as much pleasure as it has me all these years.  I appreciate all of you that request that song and I’ll keep singing it every night for as long as the good Lord’s willing.      Hope you have a great week and stay in touch,  Gene

I’ve been hearing from a lot of fans that have followed my music from all the way back to when I was just trying to make a living playing Houston clubs at night and working on cars during the day. It made for some long hours but I wouldn’t take anything for those days. I was just glad someone wanted to hear me sing and I still feel that same way today.  I’d sing if there were just two people in the club (and I’ve played some dates where you could run a train through and not hit a body).   There’s always something that comes along to keep it fresh and new.  One of the “new” things is the fun we have on the Country Family Reunion shows and cruises.  It’s always great to see my friends on the show and catch up with their news.  Of course I just enjoy hearing the stories and listening to everyone sing just like you do.  I don’t think artists in the other styles get to bond  like we do in country music. It’s just something really special.  Today I’ve been listening to some old Louvin Brothers. What great harmonies they had.  I like hearing the old classic Everly Brothers too.  They were “pop” music when they first came out but today their music would probably be released as country.  Great family harmonies.      Thanks to all of you that have sent me some of your photos from the old shows.  Thought I’d share this one from around 1980.   If you’ve got one you want to send me, just send to Artist@Lytlemgmt.com  .     Take care, Gene