Gene Watson's Peers: Karen Staley

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 2008 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 Karen Staley, which she submitted to this site on Monday 8 December 2008.

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

Gene Watson Fan Site

Karen Staley

Karen Staley
This quote was submitted on Monday 8 December 2008

'Gene Watson has a timeless voice. In my opinion, his voice is as unique as George Jones, George Strait, Merle Haggard & Lefty Frizzell.

He subtly takes a song & makes it his own every time. Gene gets emotion out of the simplest phrases that would elude many singers.

He is one of my favourites & I look forward to hearing him sing for years to come'.


Thank you, Karen Staley, for your support of Gene Watson.

Gene Watson Fan Site

About Karen Staley...

Karen Staley was born in WV & raised in Western, PA & moved to Nashville after
graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan University. This award winning songwriter has had No.1 hits by Faith Hill, Tracy Byrd, IIIrd Tyme Out & Michael Martin Murphey.

Karen Staley's songs have been recorded by both new country stars like Terri Clark, Trick Pony & Emma Jacob as well as icons like Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Kathy Mattea, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette & George Jones.

Karen Staley's list of hits include 'Take me as I am, 'Let’s go to Vegas', 'Every time I cry', 'On a night like this', 'Across the miles', 'Face in the crowd', 'Keep walkin’ on' and more.

Three of Karen’s songs, 'Take me as I am', 'Let’s go to Vegas' & 'Keeper of the stars' have all achieved BMI’s Millionaire Award (songs surpassing 1 million radio airplays) twice over…two songs are approaching 3 million plays.

Karen Staley won the 'ACM Song of the Year' Award with Tracy Byrd's classic 'Keeper of the stars' which was featured on CMT's '100 Greatest Country Love Songs of All Time' television special.

Karen Staley's songs have been nominated for both ACM, CMA, Dove, Grammy & IBMA Awards. As a backup singer & rhythm guitarist, Karen has toured with Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless & Russ Taff. Karen has also sung on many of their recordings as well as being in demand as a demo singer.

Karen Staley: 'Wildest Dreams' (MCA Records, 1989) Karen Staley: 'Fearless' (Warner Bros. Records, 1998)

As a recording artist in her own right, Karen Staley has seen the releases of two major label projects; 'Wildest Dreams' (MCA Records, 1989) & 'Fearless' (Warner Bros. Records, 1998).

Karen Staley: 'Phoenix Rising' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003) Karen Staley: 'Me & Mahalia' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003) Karen Staley: 'Out of the Park: The Hits' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003)
Karen Staley: 'Farther Along' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003) Karen Staley: 'The Story of My Life' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003)

Karen Staley has also recorded a slew of custom projects including 'Phoenix Rising' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), 'Me & Mahalia' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), 'Out of the Park - The Hits' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003), 'Farther Along - Classic Hymns' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003) & 'The Story of My Life' (Hobo Lizard Records, 2003).

Gene Watson Fan Site

Karen Staley has provided background vocals on a wide variety of albums including the following:

Patty Loveless: 'Patty Loveless' (MCA Records, 1987)

Patty Loveless: 'Patty Loveless'
(MCA Records, 1987)


Patty Loveless: 'On Down the Line' (MCA Records, 1990)

Patty Loveless: 'On Down the Line'
(MCA Records, 1990)


Glen Campbell: 'Walkin' in the Sun' (Capitol Records, 1990)

Glen Campbell: 'Walkin' in the Sun'
(Capitol Records, 1990)


Pam Tillis: 'Put Yourself in My Place' (Arista Records, 1991)

Pam Tillis: 'Put Yourself in My Place'
(Arista Records, 1991)

Michelle Wright: 'Now & Then' (Arista Records, 1991)

Michelle Wright: 'Now & Then'
(Arista Records, 1991)


Suzy Bogguss: 'Aces' (Liberty Records, 1991)

Suzy Bogguss: 'Aces'
(Liberty Records, 1991)


Lee Greenwood: 'Love's on the Way' (Liberty Records, 1992)

Lee Greenwood: 'Love's on the Way'
(Liberty Records, 1992)


Suzy Bogguss: 'Voices in the Wind' (Liberty Records, 1992)

Suzy Bogguss: 'Voices in the Wind'
(Liberty Records, 1992)

Faith Hill: 'Take Me As I Am' (Warner Bros. Records, 1993)

Faith Hill: 'Take Me As I Am'
(Warner Bros. Records, 1993)


Ronna Reeves: 'What Comes Naturally' (Mercury Records, 1993)

Ronna Reeves: 'What Comes Naturally'
(Mercury Records, 1993)


Faith Hill: 'It Matters to Me' (Warner Bros. Records, 1995)

Faith Hill: 'It Matters to Me'
(Warner Bros. Records, 1995)


Suzy Bogguss: 'Give Me Some Wheels' (Liberty Records, 1996)

Suzy Bogguss: 'Give Me Some Wheels'
(Liberty Records, 1996)


Karen Staley resides in Brentwood, TN where she continues to write, record, produce & perform. Eclectic experience & passion for nurturing new talent has also made her a sought after music business mentor.

Gene Watson Fan Site

Gene Watson Fan Site Visit Karen Staley's Official Site
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Gene Watson Fan Site