Gene Watson

There are people who sing and then there are the "singer's singers." One of them is Gene Watson, a "singer's singer" if ever one breathed. Ask Clint Black, Randy Travis, Marty Stuart, Martina McBride, or any number of other stars. "The world stops spinning when he sings," marvels Robert K. Oermann, the dean of country critics. "In his voice is all the ache of existence."

"I never did go looking for music," Watson recalls, "music found me." A widening circle of admirers led to recording contracts with such regional labels as Wide World, Stoneway, and Resco. In 1974, his Resco single of the steamy "Love In The Hot Afternoon" was picked up for national distribution by Capitol Records, igniting a firestorm of national hits. "Farewell Party," "Fourteen Carat Mind," "Paper Rosie," "Speak Softly," "One Sided Conversation," "Should I Come Home" and the rest of his timeless successes took Gene Watson into the hearts of country-music lovers around the world.

Today his music has found a home on the power independent, Step One Records (SOR). Home to his "Uncharted Mind," "Good Ole Days," his first ever gospel recording, "Jesus Is All I Need," and his November '97 release, "A Way To Survive." Country music fans will agree Gene Watson's voice and music have continued to improve throughout his successful career, as evidenced by his success with "Change Her Mind" from his last effort. Watson made country music history with the single as he and George Jones are the only artists 50+ to chart in nearly a decade, proving country music fans still love the voice and music of Gene Watson.

Billboard Magazine said recently, "Gene Watson is singing better than ever; a fact that wasn't lost on those in attendance at the last Country Music Association's events in Nashville, where Watson received a standing ovation." His remarkable voice is given full rein on "A Way To Survive." Producer and SOR executive Ray Pennington has surround ed Watson with exciting arrangements that accentuate this country music master. As always Watson has chosen his songs wisely and with consummate taste.

"I think this is a very versatile album," comments Watson. "It's got great material. I've always taken a lot of pride in that. I know what songs I can sell; I put every song I sing in a different perspective. I feel each one." Few could argue with that.

Born in Palestine, Texas, Gene Watson was one of seven children of an itinerant sawmill worker and crop picker. He married his wife, Mattie Louise, at age 17. He became an auto- body worker to support his family. On weekends he began singing in Houston clubs where he was met with immediate popularity and was later discovered.

As a hobby he continues to work on cars in his own shop, The Toy Shop, as featured on INN and in Country Weekly. Because he is one of country music's most popular entertainers, he maintains a rigorous schedule. "I just sing and I'll always be singing... even if it's just for my own personal entertainment, I would always sing." And sing he does better than ever.