Gene Watson 1969 Debut Album Special to Air on 650 AM WSM “WSM at Night” with Jeff Hoag Monday, Oct. 23 7-9 p.m. CT
On the heels of his 80th birthday, Grand Ole Opry member Gene Watson announces his 2024 All the Hits & More Tour. The All the Hits & More Tour follows Watson’s Celebration Tour, which found him celebrating with fans across the country this year on 80 dates for his 80th birthday. Last Thursday, Watson’s birthday festivities continued at the Grand Ole Opry with Rhonda Vincent, The Bellamy Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers and more.
See Watson’s current list of tour dates below and purchase tickets at GeneWatsonMusic.com.
Watson also recently recorded a special with 650 AM WSM’s Jeff Hoag for his program “WSM at Night.” The conversation focused on tracks from Watson’s 1969 debut, self-titled album from Wide World Records as well as his early career and many of his legacy recordings such as “Love in The Hot Afternoon” and his signature song, “Farewell Party.” The special, which marks the first time music from Watson’s debut album has been available for fans to access digitally, is slated to air Monday, Oct. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. CT, followed by a replay from 10 p.m. until midnight CT. The next day, fans will also be able to listen for free and on-demand at WSMRadio.com.
The Texas native’s most recent album Outside the Box, was released in Sept. 2022. The album ranked number four by Country Music People magazine’s editor on the Critics Choice list of 2022, stating Watson is, “As good as ever.” Outside the Box featured 12 tracks of Watson’s signature vocals with newly recorded songs as well as re-imagined hits across multiple genres, from Willie Nelson to Etta James.
Watson’s first single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles, and five No. 1 gospel records. “The Singer’s Singer” continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key as he did more than five decades ago and thrilling fans with his famous octave-jumping ending to “Farewell Party” night after night.