Q&A with Country's Gene Watson: Texas-Born Singer Discusses Latest Album, Fellow Artists & Career

A 2002 inductee into the Lone Star state's Country Music Hall of Fame, the Texas-born singer—in December 2007—took time from his touring schedule in support of In A Perfect World, the 34th album of his recording career and his inaugural CD for the Shanachie label, to discuss the now-critically acclaimed release and its creation with journalist Lisa L. Rollins.

With some 50 country-music hits to his credit, including classics "Love In the Hot Afternoon," "Farewell Party," "Got No Reason Now for Goin' Home," "Memories to Burn" and "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)," among many others, Watson had just released In A Perfect World, which was named one of the best country releases of 2007 by Country Music Television. The following is part one of his three-part interview with Rollins.

Taking on the Classics

LR: Regarding your latest album, I find it compelling that you opted to take on classics such as “Today I Started Loving You Again” and “Together Again." These songs are so much a part of the collective fabric of classic country and so closely associated with artists Merle Haggard, Buck Owens and Ray Price, so many would be intimidated to re-cut them. … What inspired you to record these particular songs?

GW: My record label, Shanachie, requested three classic songs, plus eight new songs. I really just chose three classics that I enjoy performing. I’ve been singing “Today I Started Loving You Again” in concert for many years and I vowed to record that sometime for the fans, and this was my opportunity to do just that. I have always loved “Together Again” as well as “Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me.”

LR: What do you feel you brought to the aforementioned songs in your versions of them?

GW: I really just tried do a different interpretation on these classics, because all of these songs have been sung to perfection by the original singers. I often say when Merle Haggard sang “Today I Started Loving You Again,” it has been sung! (Producer) Brent Rowan and I sat down and worked out this slightly different arrangement, and I hope the fans will like it. When Lee Ann Womack came to the studio and added her amazing vocals to the track, I was just blown away by it. She added those special curls on there and she had to put that on top of my vocal, which is really difficult to do. She just hit it out of the park.

Then on “Together Again,” Ms. Rhonda Vincent came along and took that one to another level. When I heard her voice, I told Brent to turn her up. I knew this needed to be a full duet. We have enjoyed singing this one together at the Opry, on WSM-AM and again at a couple of concerts. Rhonda is an amazingly talented performer, and I’m so delighted to have her on this album.

Watson's Studio 'Wish List'

LR: You have a number of “country stars” taking part in this album—and a lot of native Texans. How did you go about recruiting these particular artists? Are they newer artists you especially like or did someone suggest them to you?

GW: When we decided on which songs we wanted to record, my manager, John Lytle, and my producer, Brent Rowan, asked me who I might want to have sing on the album—kind of like a “wish list.” Well, I never dreamed that I’d have any artist actually have the time to do it, but I named a few and before I knew it, I had a call from my producer telling me Vince Gill was on his way to the studio. I was just amazed and delighted about that.

Vince Gill is one of our greatest country singer’s today. He (has been) inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for good reason. He is not only one of the most gifted singers, songwriters and performers, but he’s a man with a great heart. So deserving.

Then it was just a dream to find out Lee Ann Womack, Rhonda Vincent, my good friend and fantastic singer, and Mark Chesnutt were able to come to the studio. I was so happy that Connie Smith could be on this album, as I’ve been such a huge fan of hers for years. I think the world of Joe Nichols, too. He is a world-class country singer. His manager is also my manager, so that’s kind of how that happened.

The copyright of the article Q&A with Country's Gene Watson in Country Music is owned by Lisa L. Rollins. Permission to republish Q&A with Country's Gene Watson in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sep 20, 2008 4:42 PM

Guest :

I enjoyed this article very much. The part where he is speaking of re-recording the 3 songs he has always loved so much was most touching to my heart. This is a fine artist. Thank you for the story.

Dee Hopkins
Texas

Sep 22, 2008 7:48 AM

Guest :

Great article on the greatest country singer.

Sep 23, 2008 8:15 PM

Guest :

hi. thanks for the chance to read up on gene watson. my wife and i love the guy and play his cds when ever we go in the car. thanks much

Sep 23, 2008 8:16 PM

Guest :

Dec 14, 2008 7:29 PM

Guest :

Finally the music industry is taking notice of Gene Watson. He has been my favorite singer since I first heard him in 1974. He can really make you take notice with some of the songs he sings. I love everything he sings. Nobody can sing "The Old Man & His Horn" nor "Paper Rosie" like he does, not to mention "Everybody Needs A Hero". He just has the kind of voice that makes you sit up and come to attention. I try to go to the shows that are close to my home in Georgia whenever he comes to the closest vicinity. He is well worth the price of a ticket to see him. And he is an all around "good fellow" also. He will stay and autograph for the crowd as long as they stay with him. I have lots of pictures and memorabilia just most of his shows. And have been a member of his fan club for years & years, until the new management took over. All I can say is, Gene live well and long, and keep on putting out that wonderful music you make.

Jan 3, 2009 3:24 PM

Guest :

I have had the opportunity to see Gene Watson years ago up close in a small town in Maine called Ellsworth and He was a supper singer then and has always been a great singer and performer in my book ever since. He took the time to speak to the audience on a one on one basis in between his sets and was such a gracious person. I have always wanted to see him again since I now live just outside of Nashville, but the opportunity has never presented itself. Love your voice and your personality Gene. You are a very gracious person and performer.

Suzanne Tippin
Murfreesboro TN

Apr 17, 2009 6:58 PM

Guest :

Gene performed in Edmonton, Alberta awhile back, and we were able to get front row seats. It was like he was singing just for me, when he sang my favorite "Baby Me Baby" and then my husband's "Between this time and the Next"
Aperfect evening with the perfect entertainer.
My dream is to go to Texas and hear him again.
Janis Read

Jun 5, 2009 6:56 PM

Guest :

i love gene watson i enjoy his songs does he still tour iam from canada

Jun 8, 2009 1:15 PM

Lisa L. Rollins :

Thank you for your comments. YES, Gene tours a great deal, actually, including overseas. Check out his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/genewatson for your dates.