Gene Watson Peer's Quote from Stephen Pride: 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 Stephen Pride, which he submitted to this site on Thursday 9 March 2006.

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

Stephen Pride
This quote was submitted on Thursday 9 March 2006.

'Yes, I would be happy to provide you a quote for a great pioneer and illustrious entertainer as Gene Watson.

Gene Watson has impacted country music with such high praises of style and class.

God has truly blessed his longevity in the business with the ability to produce great classic songs that truly depicts our more traditional vein of country music for audiences around the world.

He is an inspiration to me, the country music industry, to all before him and those to follow. A truly undisputed Legend!'

Thank you, Stephen Pride, for your support of Gene Watson.

About Stephen Pride...

Stephen Pride is the youngest brother of country music legend Charley Pride and was born in Marks, Mississippi. Like most of his family, Stephen was musically inclined and grew up singing in the choir in church and at school.

When he left college, Stephen Pride performed at state fairs in the Mississippi and Louisiana area, thus starting his career in the country music field.

Stephen Pride moved to Dallas in 1980, married Pam (the love of his life) in 1982 and started his family. He also gained steady employment while pursuing his music career. Texas soon became his home and he began performing in the area part-time while dedicating himself to his family.

Stephen Pride also performed at well-known venues in Texas, such as The Crystal Chandelier in Dallas, Tommy Allsup's Saloon in Dallas, Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Gilley's in Houston and The Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas; he also became the opening act for Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 - Sunday 25 October 1992), Desert Rose Band, Louise Mandrell, Charlie Daniels and Willie Nelson.

In the mid-1990s, Stephen Pride saw the release of a CD single, featuring the song 'One Side Of The Bed', on Ray Pennington's Step One Records, the same label that Gene Watson recorded for between 1993 and 1997.

In 1994, Stephen Pride had an unexpected performance at The Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas.  During the middle of Charley Pride's performance, Stephen was asked by his brother to come on stage and perform.  Stephen had only come to enjoy the show.

However, after his performance of Travis Tritt's 'Help Me Hold On', Stephen Pride was given a standing ovation from the crowd and had an excellent write-up in the newspaper the following day.

The combination of Stephen Pride's vocal range and the haunting 'Pride' timbre made for a soulful treat that was hard to beat.

Stephen Pride's first full album of material saw the light of day in 2004; 'Pride On The Wild Side' (Starplex Records, 2004) was released on Starplex Records.

Visit Stephen Pride's Official Site
Visit Stephen Pride's Official MySpace Site
Charley Pride