Gene Watson's Peers: Helen Cornelius

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 Helen Cornelius, which she submitted to this site on Saturday 21 October 2006.

Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Helen Cornelius who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.

Gene Watson Fan Site

Helen Cornelius

Helen Cornelius
This quote was submitted on Saturday 21 October 2006

'As one of Gene's fellow country performers, I must say that he is without a doubt, one of the finest vocalists anyone could hope to hear.

His range, his soul, his distinctive styling; none better anywhere. Hats off to Gene Watson!'


Thank you, Helen Cornelius, for your support of Gene Watson.

Gene Watson Fan Site

About Helen Cornelius...

Helen Cornelius grew up on a farm in Missouri, where she listened to the Grand Ole Opry on radio & sang with her sisters, accompanied by her brothers who played in country bands. Helen made her musical debut at the age of five & won numerous talent contests, including three winning appearances on 'The Ted Mack Amateur Hour' in 1970.

Initially it was Helen's song-writing that swung open the doors along the corridors of Nashville's Music Row. By the mid-1970s, her songs were being recorded by a number of major artists, including the Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Jeannie C. Riley, Connie Smith, Charlie Louvin & Melba Montgomery and LaCosta.

Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: 'I Don't Want to Have to Marry You' (RCA Records, 1976) Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: 'Born Believer' (RCA Records, 1977) Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: 'I'll Never Be Free' (RCA Records, 1978) Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius: 'You Dont Bring Me Flowers' (RCA Records, 1979)

Helen's writing first won her major credibility, but it was her voice that RCA Record executives heard that won Helen her first major recording contract in 1975. It was producer Bob Ferguson who suggested that Helen team up with fellow country performer Jim Ed Brown. They enjoyed a major hit with their first recording - 'I don't want to have to marry you' spent two weeks at No.1 in September 1976.

In 1977, Helen & Jim Ed earned a Vocal Duo of the Year Award from the Country music Association. Together they earned a number of hit singles on Billboard including 'Saying hello, saying I love you, saying goodbye' (No.2, 1977), 'If it ain't love by now' (No.12, 1977), 'Born believer' (No.12, 1977), 'Lying in love with you' (No.2, 1977), 'I'll never be free' (No.11, 1978), 'You don't bring me flowers' (No.10, 1979), 'Fools' (No.3, 1980) & 'Lying in love with you' (No.2, 1981).

Following four successful years together, Helen & Jim Ed went their separate ways in 1980. Helen went on to headline her own solo tours & co-starred with Dave Rowland, of Dave & Sugar, in a touring production of 'Annie Get Your Gun' in 1984.

Following the closure of the 'Annie Get Your Gun' touring schedule, Helen went on tour with the Statler Brothers on their sell-out concert series for a period of two years, as well as continuing her individual concert dates.

In 1988, Helen & Jim Ed returned to touring as a duo. In 1991, Helen opened a dinner theatre in Gatlinburg, Tennessee & in 1997 joined forces with Jim Ed Brown & Con Hunley to perform at the Eagle Mountain Theatre in Pigeon Forge, also in Tennessee.

In May 2005, Helen was honoured by the State of Missouri when she was inducted into the Missouri Country Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Springfield.

Gene Watson Fan Site

Gene Watson Fan Site Visit Helen Cornelius' Official Site

Gene Watson Fan Site