Gene Watson's Peers: Stella Parton
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 2005 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
Stella Parton, which she submitted to this site on
Sunday 10 July 2005.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
Stella Parton who has
made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of
a Lone Star Hero'.
Stella Parton
This quote was submitted on Sunday 10 July 2005
'Gene Watson is the greatest interpreter of a country song of anyone in the
business - past, present or possibly the future.
Anyone would be hard
pressed to improve on his interpretation. He should be studied by everyone
to learn how a country song should be sung.
Gene has always been one of my favourite entertainers'.
Thank you, Stella Parton, for your support of Gene Watson
Stella Parton is the younger sister of
Dolly Parton & was born in Sevierville, Tennessee on 4 May 1949. She formed her own label (Soul, Country &
Blues Records) & achieved her first Top 10 single in the USA with 'I want to
hold you in my dreams'.
In 1967, Stella released her first album, 'In the Garden' (a gospel project
featuring her sisters Willadeene & Cassie and her mother Avie Lee).
Shortly thereafter, she moved to Washington, DC & began performing country
music at Hillbilly Heaven.
Later moving to Nashville, Stella started her own record label (Soul,
Country & Blues Records) in 1975 & released the album 'I Want to Hold You in
my Dreams Tonight'. Its title track was a substantial national hit,
climbing into the country Top Ten, resulting in her landing a major-label
deal with Elektra Records in 1976.
Stella Parton's 1977 duet with Carmol Taylor, 'Neon Woman', was somewhat
successful & she scored three Top 20 hits over 1977-1978 with 'The danger of
a stranger', 'Four little letters', & 'Standard lie number one'.
Stella recorded a total of three albums for Elektra through 1979.
After leaving Elektra Records, Stella Parton recorded for several
independent labels including Accord/Townhouse, Airborne & Raptor Records.
During her country music career, Stella released twenty-two albums &
achieved twenty-eight chart singles.
In 1979, Stella starred in the Dukes of Hazzard episode titled 'Deputy
Dukes' as Mary Beth, a woman who impersonates a police officer in order to
settle a family score with a prisoner who Bo & Luke end up transporting
during a change of venue.
During the 1980s & 1990s, Stella starred in several Broadway touring
musicals including 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers', 'Pump Boys &
Dinettes', 'Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' & 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'.
Stella Parton has also written three cookbooks, including her recipe-packed
book, 'State Fairs & Church Bazaars'.
Stella also devotes much of her time to causes like domestic violence and,
typical of her hands on approach, teaches at the New Opportunity School for
Women at Berea College in Berea, KY, utilizing her knowledge of hair and
makeup to help women build self-esteem.
She also has a thriving consulting business, Attic Entertainment Artist
Development & Entertainment Consulting, teaching stage presence, hair,
makeup, wardrobe techniques and video coaching.
Stella Parton has served as national spokesperson for Mothers Against Drunk
Driving & the Christian Appalachian Project and National Honorary Country
Music Ambassador to the American Cancer Society.
Gene Watson recorded 'Most of all why' (written by Stella's older sister
Dolly Parton) & included the
track on 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records,
1977).
Visit Stella Parton's Official Site
Visit Dolly Parton' Official Site
