Gene Watson Peer's Quote from Stella Parton: April 2005
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 2005 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 Stella Parton, which she submitted to this site on Sunday 10 July 2005.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Stella Parton who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Stella Parton
This quote was submitted on Sunday 10 July 2005.
'Gene Watson is the greatest interpreter of a country song of anyone in the business - past, present or possibly the future.
Anyone would be hard pressed to improve on his interpretation. He should be studied by everyone to learn how a country song should be sung.
Gene has always been one of my favourite entertainers'.
Thank you, Stella Parton, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Stella Parton...
Stella Parton is the younger sister of Dolly Parton and was born in Sevierville, Tennessee on Wednesday 4 May 1949.
In 1967, Stella Parton released her first album, 'In The Garden', which was a gospel project featuring her sisters Willadeene and Cassie and her mother Avie Lee. Shortly thereafter, Stella Parton moved to Washington, DC and began performing country music at Hillbilly Heaven.
Later moving to Nashville, Stella Parton started her own record label - Soul, Country and Blues Records - in 1975 and saw the release of the album 'I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight'. Its title track was a substantial national hit, climbing into the Billboard country music Top 10, resulting in her landing a major-label deal with Elektra Records in 1976.
Stella Parton's 1977 duet with Carmol Taylor, 'Neon Woman', was somewhat successful and she scored three Billboard Top 20 hits over 1977-1978 with 'The Danger Of A Stranger', 'Four Little Letters' and 'Standard Lie Number One'. Stella recorded a total of three albums for Elektra Records through 1979.
After leaving Elektra Records, Stella Parton recorded for several independent labels including Accord/Townhouse, Airborne and Raptor Records. During her country music career, Stella Parton released twenty-two albums and achieved twenty-eight chart singles.
In 1979, Stella Parton starred in the Dukes of Hazzard episode titled 'Deputy Dukes' as Mary Beth, a woman who impersonates a police officer in order to settle a family score with a prisoner who Bo and Luke end up transporting during a change of venue.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Stella Parton starred in several Broadway touring musicals, including 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers', 'Pump Boys and Dinettes', 'Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' and 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
Stella Parton has also written three cookbooks, including her recipe-packed book, 'State Fairs and Church Bazaars'.
Stella Parton also devotes much of her time to causes like domestic violence and, typical of her hands on approach, teaches at the New Opportunity School for Women at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky utilising her knowledge of hair and makeup to help women build self-esteem.
She also has a thriving consulting business, Attic Entertainment Artist Development and Entertainment Consulting, teaching stage presence, hair, makeup, wardrobe techniques and video coaching.
Stella Parton has served as national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Christian Appalachian Project and National Honorary Country Music Ambassador to the American Cancer Society.
Gene Watson recorded Dolly Parton's 'Most Of All Why' and included the track on 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records, 1977); Dolly Parton is Stella Parton's older sister.
Visit Stella Parton's Official Site