Gene Watson

Gary Gene Watson (born October 11, 1943) is an American country music singer. He is most famous for his 1975 hit "Love in the Hot Afternoon", his 1981 number-one hit "Fourteen Carat Mind", and his signature 1979 song "Farewell Party". Watson's long career has included five number-one hits, 21 top 10s, and 48 charted singles.

Biography Watson was born in Palestine, Texas, United States. He was raised in Paris, Texas, but in 1963, he relocated to Houston. 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. 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. 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 a tie occurred in any category.

Watson was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Vince Gill on January 17, 2020. A street in Paris, Gene Watson Boulevard, was named after the singer.

The Farewell Party Band

The Farewell Party Band, his long-time backing band, is named after his 1979 hit single "Farewell Party". Between 1982 and 1984, two studio albums were released credited to Gene Watson and the Farewell Party Band. The 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 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