Hall of Fame Exhibit

'Gene Watson: Fourteen Carat Voice' explores Watson's career as a soulful vocalist rooted in the classic country tradition, beginning with his steamy 1975 hit 'Love in the Hot Afternoon'.

In the exhibit, Watson's musical consistency is juxtaposed with his wardrobe's evolution. Stage costumes on display trace his 1970s clean-cut persona and attention-grabbing stage wear to a more relaxed look through the 1980s.

Watson scored a string of honky-tonk-styled hits throughout the late '70s and into the '80s that included 'Farewell Party', 'Fourteen Carat Mind', 'Paper Rosie' and 'Memories to Burn'. Since winning his battle with cancer in 2001, Watson continues to showcase his smooth, clear tenor voice on albums such as 'In a Perfect World' (Shanachie Records, 2007).

Artifacts in the exhibit include:
1970s green suit with rhinestones & musical-note embroidery, designed by Nudie's Rodeo Tailors;
Burgundy stage costume designed by Judy of Nashville with distinctive  diamond shaped patterns embellished with rhinestones and ruby stones;
Suede cowboy hat with decorative pins that is featured on his 'Between This Time & The Next Time' album (MCA Records, 1981);
Floral-print western shirt from the early 1980s and hand tailored patchwork boots







Source
Sarah Brosmer, Lytle Management, Nashville
Country Music Hall of Fame - Gene Watson Spotlight Exhibit