Gene Watson Peer's Quote from Jimmy Fortune: March 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 Watson's Peers who were contacted during 2006 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 Jimmy Fortune, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 30 March 2006.

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

Jimmy Fortune
This quote was submitted on Thursday 30 March 2006.

'Gene is one of the greatest country singers of all time.

If you want to know how a country song should be sung, listen to Gene Watson'.

Thank you, Jimmy Fortune, for your support of Gene Watson.

About Jimmy Fortune...

Jimmy Fortune, who was born on Friday 11 March 1955 in Williamsburg, Virginia joined The Statler Brothers in June 1982 and sang tenor for twenty-one years.  Jimmy Fortune joined them as a replacement for the ailing Lew DeWitt who was suffering from Crohn's disease.  Lew DeWitt succumbed to the disease on Wednesday 15 August 1990.

Jimmy Fortune spent twenty-one years touring, singing and performing with The Statler Brothers until the other three members of the group retired in 2002.  Jimmy Fortune proved himself to be an invaluable addition to the group, as both a tenor singer and songwriter.

Jimmy Fortune provided The Statler Brothers with three No.1 country hits on the Billboard country music singles chart; 'Elizabeth' (No.1 for one week in March 1984), 'My Only Love' (No.1 for one week in March 1985) and 'Too Much On My Heart' (No.1 for one week in November/December 1985).

Jimmy Fortune went on to record the solo albums 'When One Door Closes' (Audium Records, 2002) and 'I Believe' (Song Garden Records, 2004).

Gene Watson has a musical connection with The Statler Brothers; Gene Watson recorded 'Her Heart Or Mine' (co-written by Don and Harold Reid, the only members of the group who were actually brothers) and included the track on 'Honky Tonk Crazy' (Epic Records, 1986).

The Statler Brothers originally recorded 'Her Heart Or Mind' in 1985 and included the track on 'Pardners in Rhyme' (Mercury Records, 1985).

Visit Jimmy Fortune's Official Site



The Statler Brothers