Gene Watson Peer's Quote from George Ducas: January 2007
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 Watson's Peers who were contacted during 2007 were most gracious with their time and words. It is here, within this special part of the Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from George Ducas, which he submitted to this site on Monday 22 January 2007.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to George Ducas who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
George Ducas
This quote was submitted on Monday 22 January 2007.
'I first learned about Gene and his music in 1995, just before I released my first record, 'George Ducas', on Capitol Records.
I remember thinking, and still do to this day, 'Man, this is the real deal'.
I can't recall ever hearing anyone who has ever sung country music with more sincerity or authenticity than Gene Watson'.
Thank you, George Ducas, for your support of Gene Watson.
About George Ducas...
George Ducas was born in Texas City, Texas in 1971 and moved to San Diego, California at an early age when his parents divorced. Bitten by the music bug at the age of ten, George begged his mother for a guitar and got that guitar for Christmas that same year. He fondly recalls that 'Willie Nelson’s 'Red Headed Stranger' (Columbia Records, 1975) was his best friend'.
Soon, George Ducas began writing and performing whenever and wherever he could find an audience. He started small, performing to an audience of one or two (his parents) and has grown to perform before stadium-sized crowds thus far in his career.
George Ducas has toured extensively, headlining and opening shows for many country artists, including Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Diamond Rio and Faith Hill. Throughout his career, George Ducas continues to use a wide range of influences in his music, from Willie Nelson and Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 - Saturday 25 March 2006) to the Rolling Stones and John Lee Hooker.
While in high school and college, George Ducas performed in make-shift bands and found himself writing songs for his girlfriends. He graduated thinking he should follow in his father's footsteps by taking a conventional job, with a conventional salary and conventional hours. But George Ducas' life would not be conventional for long.
George Ducas quickly received his first song-writing break after meeting singer/songwriter Radney Foster. Radney gave the youngster valuable insight, allowing George to learn the ropes of the music business and hone his song-writing skills.
The two teamed up to write 'Just Call Me Lonesome', which would become George Ducas' first recorded song as well as Radney Foster's first Billboard country music Top 10 hit as a solo artist; 'Just Call Me Lonesome' was included on Radney Foster's debut album 'Del Rio TX, 1959' (Arista records, 1992).
Terry McBride & The Ride recorded George Ducas' 'Teardrops' (co-written with Terry McBride) and included the track on 'Terry McBride & The Ride' (MCA Records, 1994).
George Ducas soon signed a record deal of his own with Capitol Records and saw the release of 'George Ducas' (Capitol Records, 1995), his self-titled debut album in 1995, which received high critical acclaim and great expectations.
After charting a Billboard country music Top 20 hit with the first single, 'Teardrops', George Ducas arrived as both a national and international country artist with the Billboard Top 5 hit 'Lipstick Promises'. He was off to a promising start.
Gary Allan recorded George Ducas' 'Send Back My Heart' (co-written with John David) and included the track on 'Used Heart For Sale' (Decca Records, 1996).
In 1997, George Ducas wrote and recorded his second album, 'Where I Stand' (Capitol Records, 1997). Unfortunately, the album lacked the same momentum push as the first. Capitol Records had undergone a number of changes in its leadership and there were several shifts in the release date of the album as the label transitioned its priorities.
George Ducas' first single, 'Every Time She Passes By', was pulled from radio shortly after its release and then re-released several months later, peaking at only No.39 on the Billboard country music singles chart. George Ducas parted with the label shortly thereafter.
George Ducas then spent the next several years writing, and creating a family. He is married to his college sweetheart, Caroline and now has two beautiful children, Grace and William.
While concentrating on song-writing, George Ducas wrote hits for fellow country music artists Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, George Jones, Sara Evans, Tricia Yearwood, Gary Allan and Randy Rogers Band, among others.
Garth Brooks recorded George Ducas' 'Beer Run' (co-written with Kent Blazy, Kim Williams, Amanda Williams and Keith Anderson) and included the track on 'Scarecrow' (Liberty Records, 2001); the track was a duet with George Jones.
Trisha Yearwood recorded George Ducas' 'Gimme The Good Stuff' (co-written with Angelo Petraglio and Hillary Lindsey) and included the track on 'Jasper County' (MCA Records, 2005).
In 2005, George Ducas and Radney Foster co-wrote 'A Real Fine Place To Start', which became a No.1 hit on the Billboard country music singles chart for Sara Evans; the track had previously been included on Radney Foster's 'Another Way To Go' (Dualtone Records, 2002).
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