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
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.
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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