Gene Watson Peer's Quote from Sonny Burgess: August 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 Sonny Burgess, which he submitted to this site on Tuesday 8 August 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Sonny Burgess who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Sonny Burgess
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 8 August 2006.
'I am a big Gene Watson fan and always have been. He's a singer's singer.
I had the opportunity to introduce him at a show in Dallas years ago. What an honour that was! Tel Gene I said 'Howdy and keep up the good work'. Gene does know how to sing his butt off'.
Thank you, Sonny Burgess, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Sonny Burgess...
Sonny Burgess grew up in the town of Cleburne, Texas and was constantly surrounded by the sounds and realities of traditional country music. Located just down the road from Fort Worth, Texas Sonny was immersed in the music his family loved; Hank Williams (Monday 17 September 1923 - Thursday 1 January 1953), Glen Campbell, Roy Clark and Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 - Saturday 30 June 2001) were the regular musical fare during the evenings as Sonny and his family gathered on the front porch.
Sonny Burgess taught himself to play the guitar and, through an inherited musical ear, he quickly grew into his own as a player and singer. His first public performance took place while he was still in the second grade.
By his early twenties, Sonny Burgess had worked in a variety of jobs, including substitute teaching, being an electrician, a railroad worker, and a swimming pool installer. However, Sonny enjoyed playing music wherever, whenever and however he could.
The circle of gigs got bigger and Sonny began to land choice gigs in Forth Worth and beyond. The attention that the gigs brought, garnered the ears of label decision makers in Nashville.
In 2001, Music City Records released Sonny Burgess' debut album; 'When In Texas' notched up four Top 10 singles on the influential Texas Music Chart and brought Sonny the first opportunities to play venues such as the venerable Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s Fan Fair/CMA Music Festival, along with The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville and Orlando.
Sonny Burgess' 'When In Texas' (Music City Records, 2001) included 'Alone With You', which was written by Ron Williams, son of legendary Leona Williams.
Sonny Burgess changed management in 2003 resulting in appearances at The Cheyenne Frontier Days, Billy Bob’s in Forth Worth, Texas and major rodeo events in Las Vegas.
Sonny Burgess was then introduced to Karen Herbst, who became his manager and brought him to the attention of veteran Nashville hit music-maker Jeff Teague.
'Stronger', Sonny Burgess’ second album, which was produced by Jeff Teague, was released in 2005 and lived up to its title.
Sonny Burgess' 'Stronger' boasts the songs 'Jesus And Bartenders' (written by Leslie Satcher and Larry Cordle), 'What Else Could Go Right' (written by George Teren and Chris Waters) and 'Anytime I'm Smiling' (written by Paul Overstreet and Mickey Cates).
Visit Sonny Burgess' Official Site