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Gerry Ford (November 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 Gerry Ford's quote, which he submitted to this site on Friday 24 November 2006.

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


Gerry FordGerry Ford
This quote was submitted on Friday 24 November 2006



 

'I am indeed honoured to be considered as one of Gene Watson's peers; indeed on viewing the web site, I find myself among many of my country heroes & am delighted to join that illustrious list.

Gene has always been & will always be, one of my favourite singers, a unique vocalist who brings his own style to every country song he sings.  When it comes to 'traditional country', Gene stands out as a true traditionalist, who can perform the old & the new in a style that remains the perfect bridge between then & now; true to the era, yet fresh as today.

Every one of his albums is a treat to listen to.  He is the consummate stylist with a recognisable voice that can do what only a few others can do, that is to tear at your heartstrings with one song & lift your mood with another.

I am enclosing pictures taken when I met Gene at the Wembley Festival of Country Music in London, England (the last time he performed there) & we met for the second time.

On both occasions, he gave me some of his valuable time to do lengthy interviews for my radio programme in Scotland back then.  (I previously met him at one of the DJ conventions some years previous at Opryland).  Seeing him perform on both occasions was indeed a delight.

Can I also add that my wife Joan (who took the pictures) echoes my sentiments & has never forgiven me for not taking her picture with Gene!'

Thank you, Gerry Ford, for your support of Gene Watson.
 


About Gerry Ford...

Gerry Ford is a native of Athlone, Co. Westmeath (Ireland). He resides in Scotland where he is regarded as that country's leading singer/songwriter.  Gerry is a professional entertainer, has appeared all around the UK & has performed on twenty-one occasions at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as guest of legendary country singer Jean Shepard.

Gerry Ford has toured within the United Kingdom with numerous country music stars including Bill Anderson, Rayburn Anthony, Moe Bandy, Skeeter Davis (RIP), Dottsy, Roy Drusky (RIP), Melba Montgomery, Vernon Oxford, Jean Shepard, Boxcar Willie (RIP), Peggy Sue & Faron Young (RIP).

Gerry has
also shared billing with Rattlesnake Annie, Carroll Baker, Bobby Bare, Gail Davies, Barbara Fairchild, Narvel Felts, Tompall Glaser, Jack Greene, George Hamilton IV, George Hamilton V, Charlie Louvin, Billie Jo Spears, Red Stegall, Robert Joe Vandygriff, Billy Walker (RIP), Doyle Wilburn (RIP), Joy Lynn White & Dwight Yoakam.

During his illustrious radio career, Gerry Ford has met & interviewed most US country music artists for his programmes including Roy Acuff (RIP), John Anderson, Bobby Bare, Johnny Cash (RIP), June Carter-Cash (RIP), Charlie Daniels, Larry Gatlin, Crystal Gayle, Glaser Bros, Tom T Hall, George Jones, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Bill Monroe (RIP), Willie Nelson, Jimmy C. Newman, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens (RIP), Johnny Russell (RIP), Ricky Skaggs, Hank Snow (RIP), Ernest Tubb (RIP), Billy Walker (RIP), Steve Wariner, Don Williams, Gene Watson, Dottie West (RIP), Keith Whitley (RIP), Slim Whitman & Tammy Wynette (RIP).

Gerry Ford has also appeared at the Wembley International Country Festival on four occasions as a performer & compere on the main stage, as well as hosting the 'Best of British Festival' for five years in the Conference Centre.  He has worked with nearly every top name on the British & Irish country music scene as support or as compere on their shows & has also appeared regularly at country festivals around Britain.


Gerry began his country music broadcasting career with Radio Forth in Edinburgh (Scotland) where he hosted shows for four years (1974-1978).  In 1978, he moved to BBC Radio Scotland where he hosted 'Country Corner' for fifteen years (1978-1993).  Gerry also hosted his own series on BBC Radio 2; he was a guest presenter on BBC Radio 2’s 'Country Club' on various occasions & presented the first country gospel show on BBC Radio 2.  Gerry later presented country music shows on Glasgow Country 105 & Clan FM in Lanarkshire (Scotland).

Gerry Ford also writes a CD reviews column for the Country Music & Dance Magazine.

Gene Watson | Interview with Gerry Ford | Wembley Festival of Country Music, Wembley Arena, London, England | 1986 Gene Watson | Interview with Gerry Ford | Wembley Festival of Country Music, Wembley Arena, London, England | 1986 Gene Watson | Interview with Gerry Ford | Wembley Festival of Country Music, Wembley Arena, London, England | 1986

Gerry Ford interviewing Gene Watson at the Wembley Festival of Country Music, Wembley Arena, London, England in 1986.


Visit Gerry Ford's Official Website

Visit the Country Music & Dance Magazine Website


Gene Watson's Peers...

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