Gene Watson's Peers: Tony Byworth
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 2007 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 Tony Byworth,
which he submitted to this site on Monday 22 January 2007.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to
Tony Byworth who has made a special contribution to a unique part
of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
Tony Byworth
This quote was submitted on Monday 22 January 2007
'Thank heavens for Gene Watson - a gem in the
wilderness. He's one of that select band of artists who continues to keep
real country music alive.
He's hardcore & what country music should be, possessing a voice that's
immediately distinctive, singing real country songs accompanied by real
country musicians. None of that pop-hybrid country stuff that's the prime
sound that's the mainstream of country these days.
I loved this man's music right from the start & over thirty years later (is
it really that long?) nothing's changed my opinion. Long may he reign!'
Thank you, Tony Byworth, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Tony Byworth...
Tony Byworth is one of the few Brits to be wholly involved
in country music for over thirty years, building connections through
frequent visits to Nashville.
A founding member of the consumer BCMA & twice
elected Chairman of the trade CMA (GB), he edited the monthly magazine
Country Music People for
six years, was a contributing editor for Billboard, Music Week & The Stage,
and provided columns for pop music publications.
In 1984 he co-founded Byworth-Wootton International, the UK's first
country-music services company, which led to working with many top US
artists. Latterly he provided PR services on behalf of Garth Brooks & George
Strait as well as developing various country projects, including an internet
site & the London-based country music radio station Ritz 1035.
The author of several books, numerous sleeve notes & album compilations,
Tony Byworth is the recipient of many awards, including the CMA's
prestigious 'Wesley Rose (Foreign Media Achievement) Award' in 1993 - especially
pleasing to him as he had been catalogue manager for Acuff-Rose Music two
decades earlier.
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