Gene Watson's Peers: Steve Spurgin
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 2010 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
Steve Spurgin, which he
submitted to this site on Wednesday 10 February 2010.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
Steve Spurgin
who made a special contribution to this unique part of this online
'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Steve Spurgin
This quote was submitted on Wednesday 10 February 2010
'Hi Sean - How nice to hear from you.
I will be happy to add something for your use. Hopefully it will
be something that is of value. Everyone who knows Gene has probably
already said the same thing I would say, but here goes...
In a musical world that most times seems to have lost its way, it is a
comfort to know that someone like Gene Watson is still singing & performing
the type of country music that has lasting value.
Not only does he possess one of the finest voices in the real country music
genre, he is also one of the nicest & most sincerely likeable people I
know'.
Thank you, Steve Spurgin, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Steve Spurgin...
Steve Spurgin's
life of music began early, starting with lessons in classical piano at the
age of five, moving on to French horn & choral training in school. The
performing bug bit in the early 1960s when Steve picked up a folk guitar &
started entertaining his school mates with the songs of his heroes such as
Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot.
In the summer of 1965, fresh out of high school, the first paying job in
music came along & Steve launched a professional career that has touched on
five decades & entered a new century.
After playing folk music in & around Dallas, Texas for a few years, Steve
moved to the Los Angeles area in the late 1960s, bought a set of drums &
spent the next fifteen years providing the backbeat for various rock bands,
an electric bluegrass band (way ahead of its time!), Freddy Fender, Mason
Williams, The Limeliters & Byron Berline’s cutting-edge country/bluegrass
band Sundance, which also included Vince Gill.
During his time in California, Steve also did studio session work on the
drums as well as voice-over work on local & national television and radio
commercials.
In 1983, Steve moved back to Texas & got into the straight honky tonk scene
for a while before grabbing an electric bass & once again joining Bryon
Berline, along with Dan Crary & John Hickman, in a band that became
California, after adding John Moore on mandolin.
Bryon Berline, Dan Crary, John Hickman & Steve Spurgin: 'Now They Are
Four' (Sugarhill Records, 1989)
California: 'Traveler' (Sugarhill Records, 1992)
California went on to earn three consecutive IBMA 'Instrumental Group of the
Year' Awards & and travelled over much of the world performing its brand of
power bluegrass music before disbanding after a multi-year run.
During all this, Steve Spurgin pursued his true passion - song-writing.
He spent three years as a Nashville staff writer for The Welk Music Group,
assigned to Gene Watson & Reba McEntire. This association saw many of
Steve Spurgin’s songs recorded as well as producing two major country-market
hits for Gene Watson ('Speak softly (you're talking to my heart)' in 1982 &
'Carmen' in 1985).
With a BMI Award in hand, Steve then started his own publishing company &
began writing songs from the heart, with emphasis on quality & personal
style. Those of you familiar with his material will recognise some of
the results; songs such as 'She always smelled like lilacs', 'Muley was a
railroad man', 'Band of angels' & 'A walk in the Irish rain' have been
circulated far & wide. 'A walk in the Irish rain', in particular, has
been recorded by dozens of different artists, both in the US & Europe.
In 1994, after winning the prestigious 'New Folk' Award at the Kerrville
Folk Festival, Steve began concentrating on a solo approach to his career &
has become one of the most distinctive & enjoyable singer/songwriters that
Texas can boast.
Byron Berline: 'Fiddle & A Song' (Sugarhill Records, 1995)
A 'live' performance from this gifted artist showcases original songs that
are full of insight, humour, love, tears & nostalgia. It is a
performance that only such a varied
background & years of experience can produce. Steve Spurgin is the
genuine article!
During his career, Steve Spurgin has seen the release of a number of highly
acclaimed albums; 'Distant Faces' (Hollywood Records, 1996) &
'Tumbleweed Town' (Tricopolis Records, 2004), the latter including Steve's
distinctive version of 'Carmen'.
Gene Watson recorded Steve Spurgin's 'Speak softly (you're talking to my
heart)' (co-written by
J.D. Mendenhall) & included the track on
'Old Loves Never Die' (MCA Records, 1981)
Gene Watson re-recorded 'Speak softly (you're talking to my
heart)' &
included the track on 'The Good
Ole Days' (Step One Records, 1997)
Gene Watson recorded Steve Spurgin's 'Carmen' &
included the track on 'Memories to Burn'
(Epic Records, 1985)
Gene Watson recorded Steve Spurgin's
'I saved your place'
& included the track on 'Starting New Memories' (Epic Records, 1986)
Jann Browne recorded Steve Spurgin's 'Lovebird'
(featuring harmony vocals from Iris Dement) & included the track on 'Tell Me
Why' (Curb Records, 1989)
Visit Steve Spurgin's Official
Site
Visit Steve Spurgin's
Official MySpace Site
