Gene Watson's Peers: John Jorgenson
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's Peers who were contacted in 2006 were most gracious with their
time & words. It is here, within this special part of gene-watson.com, that
you have an opportunity to read a quote from
John Jorgenson, which he
submitted to this site on Friday 30 June 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
John Jorgenson who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this
online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
John Jorgenson
This quote was submitted on Friday 30 June 2006
'I am happy to contribute a quote for your site.
Gene Watson's 'Back in the Fire' was one of my
first experiences as an A team session player in Nashville. I was brought in
by Paul Worley, who had produced the Desert Rose Band, and I was a little
nervous to not only be the new guy, but the youngest and one from California
as opposed to Nashville.
Gene was wonderful to work with and made me feel very comfortable. I was
also amazed at how incredibly well he sang during the tracking sessions -
his tracking vocals were better than most singer's final vocals. I was
inspired by his singing to play as well as possible and, looking back, I
couldn't have asked for a better introduction into the world of Nashville
sessions than to work with a master like Gene Watson'.
Thank you, John Jorgenson, for
your support of Gene Watson.
About John Jorgenson...
John Jorgenson, who is from
southern California is a three-time winner of the ACM (Academy of Country Music)
Award for 'Guitarist of the Year'.
In 1986, John joined forces with Chris Hillman &
Herb Pedersen to form the
Desert Rose Band, a truly traditional country-rock outfit, along with Bill
Bryson, Steve Duncan & Jay Dee Maness. The Desert Rose Band enjoyed
immediate success as a result of John's power-driven 12-string guitar.
Following the release of the band's second album ('Running' in 1988), they
were named the Academy of Country Music's 'Touring Band of the Year'. This
honour was repeated in 1989 & 1990. It was also in 1989 & 1990 that they
were nominated for the Country Music Association's Best Vocal Group Award.
In 1992, the Desert Rose Band disbanded & John then pursued other interests,
including his guitar work with The Hellecasters. He later recorded & toured
with Elton John during 1995 & recorded a bluegrass project with the
legendary Rose Maddox in1996.
John Jorgenson' session work has included working with a diverse range of
country music artists, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash (RIP), Emmylou
Harris & Hank Williams Junior.
John Jorgenson played electric guitar on Gene Watson's 'Back
in the Fire' (Warner Bros. Records, 1988).
Visit John Jorgenson's Official Site