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{{short description|American country music singer (born 1943)}}
{{BLP sources|date=August 2015}}
{{BLP sources|date=August 2015}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Gene Watson |
| name = Gene Watson
| image = Gene Watson 2007.jpg
| image = Gene Watson 2007.jpg
| caption = Watson performing at the [[Grand Ole Opry]] in 2007 |
| caption = Watson performing at the [[Grand Ole Opry]] in 2007
| background = solo_singer
| image_size = <!-- Only for images narrower than 220 pixels --> |
| birth_name = Gary Gene Watson
|
| background = solo_singer |
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1943|10|11}}
| birth_name = Gary Gene Watson |
| birth_place = [[Palestine, Texas]]
| alias = |
| genre = [[Country music|Country]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1943|10|11}} |
| occupation = Singer
| birth_place = [[Palestine, Texas]], United States |
| instrument = Vocals, guitar
| instrument = Vocals |
| years_active = 1962–present
⚫
| label = [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Epic Records|Epic]], [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]], [[Step One Records|Step One]], [[Shanachie Records|Shanachie]]
| genre = [[Country music]] |
| occupation = [[Singing|Singer]] |
| website = {{URL|genewatsonmusic.com}}
| years_active = 1962&ndash;present |
⚫
| label = Resco, [[Capitol Records|Capitol]], [[MCA Records|MCA]], [[Epic Records|Epic]], [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]], Broadland, [[Step One Records|Step One]] [[Shanachie Records]] [[Fourteen Carat Records]]
| associated_acts = |
| website = [http://www.genewatsonmusic.com/ www.genewatsonmusic.com] |
}}
}}

[[File:Gene watson IMG 0679 Gene Watson.jpg|thumb|Gene Watson Sep 2016 Ruidoso, NM OnstageMagazineGroup]]
[[File:Gene watson IMG 0679 Gene Watson.jpg|thumb|Gene Watson, September 2016, [[Ruidoso, New Mexico]], OnstageMagazineGroup]]
'''Gary Gene Watson''' (born October 11, 1943) is an [[United States|American]] [[country music|country]] [[singing|singer]]. He is most famous for his 1975 hit "[[Love in the Hot Afternoon]]," his 1981 #1 hit "[[Fourteen Carat Mind]]," and his signature

1979 song "[[Farewell Party]]." Watson's long career has notched five number ones,<ref>Billboard, Cashbox, Radio & Records, Gavin and Music Row Music Charts</ref> 23 top tens and over 76 charted singles.
'''Gary Gene Watson''' (born October 11, 1943)<ref name="LarkinCountry">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music]]|editor=[[Colin Larkin (writer)|Colin Larkin]]|publisher=[[Guinness Publishing]]|date=1993|edition=First|isbn=0-85112-726-6|page=436}}</ref> is an American [[country music]] singer. He is most famous for his 1975 hit "[[Love in the Hot Afternoon]]," his 1981 No. 1 hit "[[Fourteen Carat Mind]]," and his signature 1979 song "[[Farewell Party]]." Watson's long career has included five number one hits,<ref>Billboard, Cashbox, Radio & Records, Gavin and Music Row Music Charts</ref> 21 top tens, and 48 charted singles.


==Biography==
==Biography==
Watson was born in [[Palestine, Texas]], in 1943.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://musiccityroots.com/artist/gene-watson/ |title=Gene Watson |work=Music City Roots |access-date=2016-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001609/http://musiccityroots.com/artist/gene-watson/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He began his music career in the 1960s, performing in local clubs at night while working in a [[Houston, Texas|Houston]] [[Automobile repair shop|auto body shop]] during the day. He recorded for only a few small, regional record labels having a regional hit "Bad Water", until 1974, when [[Capitol Records]] picked up his album ''Love in the Hot Afternoon'' and released it nationally. The title track, a mid-tempo [[ballad]] in three-quarter time, was released in June 1975, and it quickly reached Number three on the ''[[Billboard magazine]]'' [[Hot Country Singles & Tracks|Hot Country Singles]] chart.
Watson was born in [[Palestine, Texas]], United States.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://musiccityroots.com/artist/gene-watson/ |title=Gene Watson |work=Music City Roots |access-date=2016-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001609/http://musiccityroots.com/artist/gene-watson/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was raised in [[Paris, Texas]], but in 1963 he relocated to [[Houston]].<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> He began his music career in the 1960s, performing in local clubs at night while working in a Houston [[Automobile repair shop|auto body shop]] during the day.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> He recorded for only a few small, regional record labels having a regional hit "Bad Water", until 1975, when [[Capitol Records]] picked up his album ''Love in the Hot Afternoon'' and released it nationally.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> The title track, a mid-tempo [[ballad]] in three-quarter time, was released in June 1975, and it reached No. 3 on the ''[[Billboard magazine]]'' [[Hot Country Singles & Tracks|Hot Country Singles]] chart.<ref name="LarkinCountry"/>


Watson's national success continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as he recorded several [[Billboard charts|Billboard]] top-40 hits, including "Where Love Begins," "Paper Rosie," "Should I Go Home (or Should I Go Crazy)," "Nothing Sure Looked Good on You," and "Farewell Party," which was released in 1979 and quickly became Watson's signature song and the namesake of his Farewell Party Band.
Watson's national success continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as he recorded several [[Billboard charts|Billboard]] top-40 hits, including "Where Love Begins," "Paper Rosie," "Should I Go Home (or Should I Go Crazy)," "Nothing Sure Looked Good on You," and "[[Farewell Party]]," which was released in 1979,<ref name="LarkinCountry"/> and quickly became Watson's signature song, and the namesake of his Farewell Party Band.


In February 2012, Watson, celebrated his 50th year in the music business with the release of ''Best of the Best, 25 Greatest Hits'' (his very first single on radio "If It Was That Easy" released in 1962). The collection of songs was re-recorded to recreate the originals as closely as possible. The project was produced by Dirk Johnson and released on Watson's own Fourteen Carat Music label. In June 2014, Watson released an eleven track CD "My Heroes Have Always Been Country," all pure, classic country music, covering hits by some of his musical heroes such as Merle Haggard, Ray Price and Lefty Frizzell. On February 26, 2016 Gene Watson released his 33rd studio album titled "Real.Country.Music." This 13-track CD contains traditional country music and the first single release is "Enough For You", a song written by Kris Kristofferson. In 2018, Watson released a Gospel music CD titled "My Gospel Roots". The first single from the 13-track release, "Old Roman Soldier" hit #1 on the Cashbox and Christian Servant Country Gospel charts in June 2018.
In February 2012, Watson, celebrated his 50th year in the music business with the release of ''Best of the Best, 25 Greatest Hits''. (His first single on radio was "If It Was That Easy", released in 1962). The collection of songs was re-recorded to recreate the originals as closely as possible. The project was produced by Dirk Johnson and released on Watson's own Fourteen Carat Music label. In June 2014, Watson released an eleven track CD, ''My Heroes Have Always Been Country,''<ref name="AMG">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/gene-watson-mn0000803757/biography|title=Gene Watson &#124; Biography & History|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> covering hits by some of his musical heroes such as [[Merle Haggard]], [[Ray Price (musician)|Ray Price]] and [[Lefty Frizzell]]. On February 26, 2016, Watson released his 33rd studio album titled, ''Real.Country.Music.''<ref name="AMG"/> The 13-track CD contained traditional country music and the first single release is "Enough For You", a song written by [[Kris Kristofferson]]. In 2018, Watson released a gospel music CD titled ''My Gospel Roots''.<ref name="AMG"/> The first single from the 13-track release, "Old Roman Soldier" hit No. 1 on the Cashbox and Christian Servant Country Gospel charts in June 2018.


Gene Watson was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002 and inducted into the inaugural class of the Houston Music Hall of Fame in August 2013. In 2018 Watson received the "Entertainer of the Year" Award from the R.O.P.E. Awards, an honor he shared with singer, [[Jeannie Seely]]. It was the first time in the history of the Awards that there was a tie in any category.
Watson was inducted into the [[Texas Country Music Hall of Fame]] in 2002,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tcmhof.com/latest-inductees/13-inductees-2002|title=2002 - Texas Country Music Hall of Fame|website=Tcmhof.com|access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref> and inducted into the inaugural class of the Houston Music Hall of Fame in August 2013. In 2018, Watson received the "Entertainer of the Year" Award from the R.O.P.E. Awards, an honor he shared with singer, [[Jeannie Seely]]. It was the first time in the history of the Awards that there was a tie in any category.


Watson was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, by [[Vince Gill]], on January 17, 2020.
Watson was invited to join the [[Grand Ole Opry]], by [[Vince Gill]], on January 17, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tasteofcountry.com/gene-watson-grand-ole-opry-invitation-vince-gill/|title=WATCH: Vince Gill Invites Gene Watson to Join the Grand Ole Opry|website=Tasteofcountry.com|date=18 January 2020 |access-date=August 11, 2021}}</ref>


== The Farewell Party Band ==
==The Farewell Party Band==
{{BLP unsourced section|date=August 2021}}
The Farewell Party Band is Gene’s longtime backing band. They were named after his 1978 hit single “[[Farewell Party]].” Between 1982 and 1984 two studio albums were released credited to Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band, the Farewell Party Band backed Gene on one of his solo albums, and the Farewell Party Band released one studio album on their own. Several notable musicians were members of the Farewell Party Band, such as [[Tony Booth (musician)|Tony Booth]]. While many other members have played with them since the 1980s, below is a timeline of just the members during their recorded output.
The Farewell Party Band is his long-time backing band. They were named after his 1978 hit single "[[Farewell Party]]." Between 1982 and 1984, two studio albums were released credited to Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band. The Farewell Party Band backed Watson on one of his solo albums, and they released one studio album on their own. Several notable musicians were members of the Farewell Party Band, such as [[Tony Booth (musician)|Tony Booth]]. While many other members have played with them since the 1980s, below is a timeline of just the members during their recorded output.
{{#tag:timeline|
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:1200 height:auto barincrement:25
ImageSize = width:1200 height:auto barincrement:25
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bar:Norm from:01/01/1982 till:12/31/1984 color:gtr
bar:Norm from:01/01/1982 till:12/31/1984 color:gtr
bar:Tony from:01/01/1984 till:12/31/1984 color:tic
bar:Tony from:01/01/1984 till:12/31/1984 color:tic
width:3
bar:Tony from:01/01/1984 till:12/31/1984 color:bass
}}
}}
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.genewatsonmusic.com Official Gene Watson website]
* [http://www.genewatsonmusic.com Official Gene Watson website]
* [https://gene-watson.com Original Gene Watson Fan Site] - this site, which has been active since September 2004, is recognised by Gene Watson & his management team at Lytle Management in Nashville.
* [https://gene-watson.com Original Gene Watson Fan Site] - The Original Gene Watson Fan Site, which has been active since September 2004, is recognized by Gene Watson & his management team at Lytle Management in Brentwood, TN.


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Palestine, Texas]]
[[Category:People from Palestine, Texas]]
[[Category:People from Houston]]
[[Category:Singers from Houston]]
[[Category:MCA Records artists]]
[[Category:MCA Records artists]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
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[[Category:Capitol Records artists]]
[[Category:Capitol Records artists]]
[[Category:Step One Records artists]]
[[Category:Step One Records artists]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Texas]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas]]
[[Category:Country musicians from Texas]]
[[Category:Country musicians from Texas]]

Latest revision as of 00:45, 19 February 2024

Gene Watson
Watson performing at the Grand Ole Opry in 2007
Watson performing at the Grand Ole Opry in 2007
Background information
Birth nameGary Gene Watson
Born (1943-10-11) October 11, 1943 (age 80)
Palestine, Texas
GenresCountry
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1962–present
LabelsCapitol, MCA, Epic, Warner Bros., Step One, Shanachie
Websitegenewatsonmusic.com
Gene Watson, September 2016, Ruidoso, New Mexico, OnstageMagazineGroup

Gary Gene Watson (born October 11, 1943)[1] is an American country music singer. He is most famous for his 1975 hit "Love in the Hot Afternoon," his 1981 No. 1 hit "Fourteen Carat Mind," and his signature 1979 song "Farewell Party." Watson's long career has included five number one hits,[2] 21 top tens, and 48 charted singles.

Biography[edit]

Watson was born in Palestine, Texas, United States.[1][3] He was raised in Paris, Texas, but in 1963 he relocated to Houston.[1] He began his music career in the 1960s, performing in local clubs at night while working in a Houston auto body shop during the day.[1] He recorded for only a few small, regional record labels having a regional hit "Bad Water", until 1975, when Capitol Records picked up his album Love in the Hot Afternoon and released it nationally.[1] The title track, a mid-tempo ballad in three-quarter time, was released in June 1975, and it reached No. 3 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart.[1]

Watson's national success continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, as he recorded several Billboard top-40 hits, including "Where Love Begins," "Paper Rosie," "Should I Go Home (or Should I Go Crazy)," "Nothing Sure Looked Good on You," and "Farewell Party," which was released in 1979,[1] and quickly became Watson's signature song, and the namesake of his Farewell Party Band.

In February 2012, Watson, celebrated his 50th year in the music business with the release of Best of the Best, 25 Greatest Hits. (His first single on radio was "If It Was That Easy", released in 1962). The collection of songs was re-recorded to recreate the originals as closely as possible. The project was produced by Dirk Johnson and released on Watson's own Fourteen Carat Music label. In June 2014, Watson released an eleven track CD, My Heroes Have Always Been Country,[4] covering hits by some of his musical heroes such as Merle Haggard, Ray Price and Lefty Frizzell. On February 26, 2016, Watson released his 33rd studio album titled, Real.Country.Music.[4] The 13-track CD contained traditional country music and the first single release is "Enough For You", a song written by Kris Kristofferson. In 2018, Watson released a gospel music CD titled My Gospel Roots.[4] The first single from the 13-track release, "Old Roman Soldier" hit No. 1 on the Cashbox and Christian Servant Country Gospel charts in June 2018.

Watson was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002,[5] and inducted into the inaugural class of the Houston Music Hall of Fame in August 2013. In 2018, Watson received the "Entertainer of the Year" Award from the R.O.P.E. Awards, an honor he shared with singer, Jeannie Seely. It was the first time in the history of the Awards that there was a tie in any category.

Watson was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, by Vince Gill, on January 17, 2020.[6]

The Farewell Party Band[edit]

The Farewell Party Band is his long-time backing band. They were named after his 1978 hit single "Farewell Party." Between 1982 and 1984, two studio albums were released credited to Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band. The Farewell Party Band backed Watson on one of his solo albums, and they released one studio album on their own. Several notable musicians were members of the Farewell Party Band, such as Tony Booth. While many other members have played with them since the 1980s, below is a timeline of just the members during their recorded output.

Discography[edit]

Main article: Gene Watson discography

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (1993). The Guinness Who's Who of Country Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 436. ISBN 0-85112-726-6.
  2. ^ Billboard, Cashbox, Radio & Records, Gavin and Music Row Music Charts
  3. ^ "Gene Watson". Music City Roots. Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  4. ^ a b c "Gene Watson | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  5. ^ "2002 - Texas Country Music Hall of Fame". Tcmhof.com. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  6. ^ "WATCH: Vince Gill Invites Gene Watson to Join the Grand Ole Opry". Tasteofcountry.com. 18 January 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2021.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gene_Watson&oldid=1208805123"