Gene Watson's Peers: Sonny Burgess
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
Sonny Burgess, which he submitted
to this site on Tuesday 8 August 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
Sonny Burgess who has made a
special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone
Star Hero'.
Sonny Burgess
This quote was submitted on Tuesday 8 August 2006
'I am a big Gene Watson fan & always have been. He's a
singer's singer.
I had the opportunity to introduce him at a show in Dallas years ago. What
an honour that was! Tel Gene I said 'howdy & keep up the good work'. Gene
does know how to sing his butt off'.
Thank you, Sonny Burgess, for your
support of Gene Watson.
About Sonny Burgess...
Sonny Burgess grew up in the town
of Cleburne, Texas & was constantly surrounded by the sounds & realities of
traditional country music. Located just down the road from Fort Worth, Sonny
was immersed in the music his family loved; Hank Williams, Glen Campbell,
Roy Clark & Chet Atkins were the regular musical fare during the evenings as
Sonny & his family gathered on the front porch.
Sonny taught himself to play the guitar and, through an inherited musical
ear, he quickly grew into his own as a player & singer. His first public
performance took place while he was still in the second grade.
By his early 20’s, Sonny had worked in a variety of jobs including
substitute teaching, being an electrician, a railroad worker, and a swimming
pool installer. However, Sonny enjoyed playing music wherever, whenever and
however he could.
The circle of gigs got bigger & Sonny began to land choice gigs in Forth
Worth & beyond. The attention that the gigs brought, garnered the ears of
label decision makers in Nashville.
In 2001, Music City Records released Sonny's debut album; 'When in Texas' notched up four Top 10 singles in the key Texas music charts & brought
Sonny the first opportunities to play venues such as the venerable Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s Fan Fair/CMA Music Festival,
along with the Wildhorse Saloon in
Nashville & Orlando.
Sonny Burgess changed management in 2003 resulting in appearances at the Cheyenne
Frontier Days, Billy Bob’s in Forth Worth & major rodeo events in Las Vegas.
Sonny was then introduced to Karen Herbst who became his manager and brought
him to the attention of veteran Nashville hit music-maker Jeff Teague.
'Stronger', Sonny Burgess’ second album, which was produced by Jeff Teague,
was released in 2005 & lived
up to its title. The album boasts songs from
Leslie Satcher &
Larry Cordle
('Jesus & bartenders'), George Teren & Chris Waters ('What else could go
right') & Paul Overstreet & Mickey Cates ('Anytime I'm smiling').
Visit Sonny Burges' Official Site
