Gene Watson's Peers: Stephen Pride
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
Stephen Pride, which he submitted to
this site on Thursday 9 March 2006.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you'
to Stephen Pride who has made a special
contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star
Hero'.
Stephen Pride
This quote was submitted on Thursday 9 March 2006
'Yes, I would be happy to provide you a quote for a
great pioneer and illustrious entertainer as Gene Watson. Gene Watson has
impacted country music with such high praises of style and class.
God has truly blessed his longevity in the business with the ability to
produce great classic songs that truly depicts our more traditional vein of
country music for audiences around the world.
He is an inspiration to me, the country music industry, to all before him
and those to follow. A truly undisputed Legend!'
Thank you, Stephen Pride, for your
support of Gene Watson.
About Stephen Pride...
Stephen Pride is the youngest
brother of country music legend
Charley Pride & was born in Marks, Mississippi. Like most of his family,
Stephen was musically inclined & grew up singing in the choir in church & at
school.
When he left college, Stephen performed at state fairs in the Mississippi &
Louisiana area, thus starting his career in the country music field.
Stephen moved to Dallas in 1980, married Pam (the love of his life) in 1982
& started his family. He also gained steady employment while pursuing his
music career. Texas soon became his home & he began performing in the area
part-time while dedicating himself to his family.
Stephen Pride also performed at well-known venues in Texas, such as the
Crystal Chandelier in Dallas, Tommy Allsup's Saloon in Dallas, Billy Bob's
in Fort Worth, Gilley's in Houston & the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas; he
also became the opening act for Roger Miller, Desert Rose Band, Louise
Mandrell, Charlie Daniels & Willie Nelson.
In the mid-1990s, Stephen Pride saw the release of a CD single ('One Side of
the Bed') on Ray Pennington's Step One Records, the same label that Gene
Watson recorded for between 1993 & 1997.
In 1994, Stephen had an unexpected performance at the Meyerson Symphony
Center in Dallas. During the middle of Charley Pride's performance,
Stephen was asked by his brother to come on stage and perform. Stephen
had only come to enjoy the show.
However, after his performance of Travis Tritt's 'Help me hold on', he was
given a standing ovation from the crowd & had an excellent write-up in the
newspaper the following day.
The combination of Stephen's vocal range & the haunting 'Pride' timbre made
for a soulful treat that was hard to beat.
Stephen Pride's first full album of material saw the light of day in 2004;
'Pride on the Wild Side' was released on Starplex Records.
Visit Stephen Pride's Official Site
Visit Stephen Pride's Official
MySpace Site
Visit Charley Pride's Official Site