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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWATSON, Gene(b 11 Oct. '43, Palestine TX) Smooth honky-tonk singer with more than 20 top ten hits since mid- '70s, mostly sad country love ballads. Worked out of Houston, recording for local labels Resco, Wide World late '60s--early '70s; regional hit with 'Love In The Hot Afternoon' led to signing with Capitol, who made it a top five hit '75, followed by a long list of quality hits. Led, toured and often recorded with his own Farewell Party Band; switched to MCA '80, Epic '85, continuing with top ten hits. Many hit albums incl. Little By Little '84 (top 35 country LP), Heartaches, Love And Stuff '84 (no. 21) on MCA. Sang with Tammy Wynette on her Higher Ground '87. Was ready to retire from music, but Randy Travis's manager Lib Hatcher persuaded him not to, got him contract with Warner Brothers '88 and he toured with Travis. 'Don't Waste It On The Blues' went top five '88. By '93 he was on Step One Records, still charting '97 with 'Change Her Mind' and maintaining heavy touring schedule. Recent albums incl. Back In the Fire '89, At Last '91 on Warners; In Other Words '92 on Broadland International; Uncharted Mind '93 and The Good Ole Days '96 on Step One. |