Billy Swan (August 2006)

Gene Watson's peers within the country music industry believe in the sheer talent of this unassuming man from east Texas, so much so that Gene is regarded by many of them as 'the singer's singer' - and rightly so!

All of Gene's Peers who were contacted in 2006 were most gracious with their time & words.  It is here, within this special part of gene-watson.com, that you have an opportunity to read Billy Swan's quote, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 1 August 2006.

I (Sean Brady) would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Billy Swan who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.

Billy Swan
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 1 August 2006



 

About Billy Swan...

Billy Swan, who was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in May 1942, enjoyed his first musical success when he wrote 'Lover please', a song that became a big hit for R&B singer Clyde McPhatter in 1962.

Following a move to Nashville, Billy obtained session work at the Monument studios.  After playing guitar on a number of recording sessions, he was nominated to produce Tony Joe White's debut album 'Black & White' in 1969.  The album included 'Polk salad Annie', a track that No.8 on the American pop music charts the same year.  The song was subsequently recorded by Elvis Presley (RIP).  It was also around this time that Billy became a member of Kris Kristofferson's band, in which he played bass.

In 1974, Fred Foster signed Billy to the Monuments Records label, where he enjoyed his biggest hit song.  'I can help' spent 2 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard American country music singles chart in December 1974.  The song was also a huge hit on the pop music charts; it reached No.1 in America & No.6 in the UK.

In the mid-1980s, Billy resumed work with Kris Kristofferson's band & appeared on the albums 'Repossessed' (1986) & 'Third World Warrior' (1990).

Visit Billy Swan's Official Website
 

Gene Watson's Peers...

Select the year of your choice from the list below:
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008