Gene Watson's Peers: Gerry Ford
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
Gerry Ford, which he submitted to
this site on Friday 24 November 2006.
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 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 in 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 Ford 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 (in Scotland) with Radio
Forth in Edinburgh 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.
Gerry Ford interviewed Gene Watson
backstage at the Wembley Festival of Country Music at Wembley Arena in
London, England in 1986 & we have, courtesy of Gerry's wife Joan, the
evidence to prove it!
Visit Gerry Ford's Official Site
Visit Country Music & Dance Magazine
Site