Norma Jean (June 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'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 Pretty Miss Norma Jean's quote, which she submitted to this site on Friday 30 June 2006.

I (Sean Brady) would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Pretty Miss Norma Jean who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.

Pretty Miss Norma Jean
This quote was submitted on Friday 30 June 2006

 

About Pretty Miss Norma Jean...

Pretty Miss Norma Jean was born (Norma Jean Beasler) into a hard-working farm family near Wellston, Oklahoma.  As a child, she wanted to be a country star like Kitty Wells & made her professional debut singing 'If teardrops were pennies' at the age of 12 on the radio in Oklahoma City.  While in high school, she toured with a few Western swing bands, including those of Billy Gray & Merle Lindsay.

Norma Jean's big break came in 1958 when she became a cast member of the Springfield, Missouri-based ABC-TV show 'Ozark Jubilee', where Red Foley (RIP) suggested shortening her name to 'Norma Jean'.  She recorded briefly for Columbia Records & then moved to Nashville in 1960, where she became a backup vocalist for Porter Wagoner's touring & television shows.

Norma Jean's new level of exposure led to a contract with RCA Victor, where she achieved her first chart single; 'Let's go all the way' made the Top 15 in 1964, followed by the Top 25 hit 'I'm a walkin' advertisement (for the blues)'.

Norma Jean's chart success continued through the mid-1960s with songs such as 'I wouldn't buy a used car from him' & the innovative love-triangle trio 'The game of triangles' in 1965, which also featured Bobby Bare & Liz Anderson.

Norma Jean's seven year association with Porter Wagoner ended in 1967, when she was replaced by Dolly Parton.  She continued to appear on the Grand Ole Opry (between 1965 & 1969) and recorded more singles for RCA.  In 1967, she enjoyed two Top 30 hits, 'Don't let that doorknob hit you' & 'Heaven help the working girl'.  She returned to Oklahoma in the late 1960s & had her last chart hit in 1971 with 'The kind of needin' I need'.

Visit Pretty Miss Norma Jean's Official Website

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