CLICK HERE for the very latest news on Country Legend, GENE WATSON!

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

Hey Friends –   Like Willie sings “We’re Back on the Road Again”.  It was a nice road trip from Texas to NC – beautiful weather all the way.  We’re all just sitting on the bus playing some old tunes and talking about old friends we’ve known in the business.   All of us have too many favorites but I used to sing all the early George Jones songs and of course lots of Ray Price.  Can’t play in Houston nightclubs and not sing a Ray Price song.   Then there’s all those great Merle Haggard songs. I’m sure I must’ve sung every Merle Haggard song that was out in the days I was playing the Houston clubs.   Mel Street’s “Borrowed Angel” and Gary Stewart ‘s  ”She’s Acting Single (and I’m Drinking Doubles”  are some favorites from the band . If you’re reading this I know you appreciate the good stuff, the truly classic country songs.  Thankfully there are so many great songs and I can appreciate YouTube more now because you can pull those up when you want to hear an original.  When that YouTube first started I wasn’t sure I needed to see every performance I ever made up there but I get it now and it’s great to be able to go back and look at some of  those classic TV shows .   If you’re around NC come see us this weekend we’re in Breman, GA and Palatka, FL so hope we’ll see you there.   Have a great weekend,  Gene

Ralph Emery and Gene Watson 1976

Dear Fans,

I’m in Louisiana, just finished soundcheck for our West Monroe show and looking forward to seeing a bunch of you out tonight.  Tomorrow  (Saturday, October 20th) we’ll be at the Wind Festival in Roscoe, TX and folks, that’s a FREE festival!   So if you’re anywhere in the state of Texas you might want to  come on out!  Don’t get much these days that is absolutely free!  Only thing you need to remember is to bring a lawn chair !     Going to be in Nashville this coming week for some business.  One thing I’m doing on Tuesday is a show for Sirius XM with host, Wade Jessen.  Always love to talk to Wade.  He’s a walking encyclopedia on country music and he loves some real country.   Gotta run and get this show going soon but thanks for checking in and hope you enjoy a great week,

Gene

Hi Friends,   I’m taking a short break from the taping at Country Family Reunion to write to you.  We’re doing an “Opry Tribute” theme and I know you’re going to love it.   It happens to be my birthday and everyone here surprised me with a big cake!  You haven’t celebrated til you’ve had T. Graham Brown, Jeannie Seely, Riders In the Sky, John Conlee, Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepherd and so many more all sing “Happy Birthday” to you.  Thank you Larry Black and all the good people at Country Family Reunion for making my birthday extra special.  Sure was a surprise to me!    I also want to thank all of my great fans that sent me birthday cards and other fun things. I really appreciate that.  Every year it means more and more to me .   Thanks to Sean Brady for all he does and to Sally Bedow for her help and to Raymond Glenn in Ireland for starting the forum.   All of you are a great blessing to me.   Sorry I have to make this short, gotta run back and tape some more . I’m singing two songs on the show today!    Better get back to it but thank you again for making my birthday extra special!     Gene

Blowing out the candles. Is the cake on fire??