Gene Watson's Peers: Charlie Rich Junior
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 a quote from
Charlie Rich Junior, which he
submitted to this site on Tuesday 5 September 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
Charlie Rich Junior who has made
a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a
Lone Star Hero'.
Charlie Rich Junior
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 5 September 2006
'Gene Watson is one of country music's best and truest
voices. In an age of cookie cutter, sound-alike artists, Gene always sounds
like Gene. He is always able to zero into the heart of a song and get the
message across.
In my opinion, that's the ultimate goal of any vocalist - to impart the
meaning of the song in an original, yet convincing way. Gene never sounds
pretentious or put-on. He's always totally believable. In so doing, he moves
us with his heartfelt insights. He also has a wonderful set of vocal chops -
in other words, the boy can just plain sing'.
Thank you, Charlie Rich Junior,
for your support of Gene Watson.
About Charlie Rich Junior...
Charlie Rich Junior is the first
male child of prominent musical parents; his mother, Margaret Ann Rich, was
one of the founding members of the Memphis Chapter of the National
Association of Recording Arts & Sciences & is a successful songwriter &
publisher in her own right, while Charlie's father, Charlie Rich, is
considered to be one of country music's greatest influences to this day.
Charlie Rich Junior was influenced by such diverse talents as Jerry Lee
Lewis & The Beatles. He was also inspired by the likes of Roxy Music, Jimi
Hendrix & Brian Eno. He signed a record deal with Epic Records in 1974, his
first album receiving widespread critical praise from both critics & peers.
In 1980s, Charlie moved to California where he began studying animation.
While living in Los Angeles, he also established himself as a keyboard
player, vocalist & composer. His credits include albums with The Texas
Tornadoes & Freddy Fender.
In 1991, with the help of friend Billy Swan,
Charlie was invited to become a member of the group Black Tie, along with
Randy Meisner (co-founder of The Eagles & Poco) & Jimmy Griffin (formerly of
the group Bread).
Rich's friend Billy Swan of 'I Can Help' fame,
invited producer Reggie Fisher to see Rich play at the legendary Palomino
Club. Fisher was blown away by Rich's talent & offered him a recording
contract on the spot, requesting that Charlie Jr. be a component in the
superstar ensemble Fisher was promoting - Black Tie.
Charlie Rich Junior has since moved back to his hometown of Nashville where,
as well as being involved with music & animation, he is also an accomplished
website designer.
Charlie Rich Junior has also co-written songs with A.J. Masters (who wrote
Faith Hill’s 'Love ain’t like that') & Greg Crowe (who co-wrote the No.1
Montgomery Gentry hit 'Lonely & gone').
Charlie Rich Junior is the son of
Charlie Rich, who is considered to be one of country music's greatest
influences to this day.
Charlie Rich, a native of Forrest City, Arkansas was born on 14 December
1932; he passed away on 25 July 1995.
Charlie Rich enjoyed the following No.1 hits on the Billboard country music
singles chart:
'Behind closed doors' (No.1 for two weeks in April/May 1973)
'The most beautiful girl' (No.1 for three weeks in November/December 1973)
'There won't be anymore' (No.1 for two weeks in March 1974)
'A very special love song' (No.1 for three weeks in April 1974)
'I don't see me in your eyes anymore' (No.1 for one week in June 1974)
'I love my friend' (No.1 for one week in October 1974)
'She called me baby' (No.1 for one week in December 1974)
'Rollin' with the flow' (No.1 for two weeks in August 1977)
'On my knees' (with Janie Fricke) (No.1 for one week in December 1978)
Visit Charlie Rich Junior's Official
Site
Visit Charlie Rich's Official Site