Gene Watson - 18 Greatest Hits

Gene began his recording career with Capitol and it is from that period that this set is compiled. He had many hits on the country chart but his only number one hit (Fourteen carat mind) came after he had moved to MCA. Nevertheless, the song Gene is best remembered for is one of his Capitol recordings, Farewell party, a song originally recorded by Little Jimmy Dickens. The song remained obscure until Gene recorded it. More recently, both Alan Jackson and Joe Nichols have covered it.

The farewell party in Gene's song is actually a funeral. An old man knows that his wife doesn't love him anymore and pleads with her to stay with him for the few months he still has to live, and give him a decent funeral. It is an extremely sad song, emphasized by the way it is performed - with Gene backed only by a steel guitar.

Gene's other great hits during his Capitol years included Love in the hot afternoon (the song that got his career started), Paper Rosie (the title...Read more

What else can be said. Gene Watson is one of the finest traditional country singers of this lifetime. I had the opportunity to se him ain Angleton Tx. several years ago and he only proved what a talent he truly is. Country radio should be ashamed of itself for neglecting such talents as Watson,Joe Stampley, Eddie Raven, Gary Stewart and more. Even sadder. Nashville has turned thier backs on these stars only to turn out mindless cross over fodder. This collection is a must for any Gene Watson fan, and for any real country music fans. Every cut tells a story, and every story comes to life when Watson puts his powerful voice to it.

It's so good to see that the "old" stuff from the 60's and 70's is released again. At the time Gene Watson developed into one of the best honky tonk artists, his Capitol material was perfect traditional honky tonk music, with beautiful Steel Guitar played by Lloyd Green. If you don't have the old records from that era, this CD is definitely a good chance to get started with one of the great Honky Tonk Singers of all times!