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 Watson's Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2006, were most gracious with their time and words.

It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Gerry Ford, which he submitted to this site on Friday 24 November 2006.

Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Gerry Ford who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.





Gerry Ford
This quote was submitted on Friday 24 November 2006.

'I am indeed honoured to be considered as one of Gene Watson's peers; indeed on viewing the web site, I find myself among many of my country heroes and am delighted to join that illustrious list.

Gene has always been and will always be, one of my favourite singers, a unique vocalist who brings his own style to every country song he sings.

When it comes to 'traditional country', Gene stands out as a true traditionalist, who can perform the old and the new in a style that remains the perfect bridge between then and now; true to the era, yet fresh as today.

Every one of his albums is a treat to listen to.  He is the consummate stylist with a recognisable voice that can do what only a few others can do, that is to tear at your heartstrings with one song and lift your mood with another.



I am enclosing pictures taken when I met Gene at the Wembley Festival of Country Music in London, England (the last time he performed there) and we met for the second time.



On both occasions, he gave me some of his valuable time to do lengthy interviews for my radio programme in Scotland back then.

(I previously met him at one of the DJ conventions some years previous at Opryland).

Seeing him perform on both occasions was indeed a delight.



Can I also add that my wife Joan (who took the pictures) echoes my sentiments and has never forgiven me for not taking her picture with Gene!'

Thank you, Gerry Ford, for your support of Gene Watson.



About Gerry Ford...



Gerry Ford is a native of Athlone, County Westmeath in Ireland, where he was born Gerard Corcorran, on Tuesday 25 May 1943.

As a boy, Gerry Ford heard American country music on the radio, and took a fancy to it.

Gerry Ford taught himself to play guitar and eventually moved to London, working as a baker by day and a deejay and emcee by night.

After marrying in 1964, Gerry Ford and his new bride returned to Scotland, and he became a policeman while singing in local establishments at night.



In 1974, Gerry Ford made his radio broadcasting debute on Radio Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland.



Gerry Ford's time at Radio Clyde in Glasgow led to his own show, 'Forth Country Special', on Radio Forth, an independent local radio (ILR) service, which was based in Edinburgh.

Gerry Ford hosted shows on Radio Forth for four years between 1974 and 1978.

In 1976, Gerry Ford made his recording debut with 'Reuben James', which was written by Alex Harvey (Monday 10 March 1947 - Saturday 4 April 2020) and Barry Etris, and afterwards decided to become a full-time musician.

Gerry Ford began working in clubs as a performer and deejay and then signed with Emerald Records.



In 1977, Gerry Ford saw the release of his debut album, 'These Songs Are Just For You' (Emerald Gem Records, 1977), which included the following tracks:

'She Came Here For The Change'

'You're My Best Friend' (written by Wayland D. Holyfield) / the original version of this track was recorded by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 - Friday 8 September 2017), who included it on 'You're My Best Friend' (Dot Records, 1975); Don Williams' version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for one week in June 1975

'May The Bird of Paradise (Fly Up Your Nose)' (written by Neal Merritt) / the original version of this track was recorded by Little Jimmy Dickens (Sunday 19 December 1920 - Friday 2 January 2015), who included it on 'May The Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose' (Columbia Records, 1965); Little Jimmy Dickens' version of the track was No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for two weeks in November 1965, and No.15 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1965

'I Love You Because', which was written by Leon Payne (Friday 15 June 1917 - Thursday 11 September 1969) / the original version of this track was recorded by Leon Payne, who recorded it for Capitol Records in 1949; Leon Payne's version of the track reached No.4 on the Billboard Country & Western Best Seller List in 1949, and spent two weeks at No.1 on the Country & Western Disk Jockey List in 1949

• this track was also recorded by Elvis Presley (Tuesday 8 January 1935 - Tuesday 16 August 1977), who included it on his self-titled debut album, 'Elvis Presley' (RCA Victor Records, 1956)

• this track was also recorded by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 - Friday 12 September 2003), who included it on 'Johnny Cash Sings Hank Williams' (Sun Records, 1960); Johnny Cash's version of the track reached No.20 on the Billboard country music singles chart in December 1959

• this track was also recorded by Al Martino (Friday 7 October 1927 - Tuesday 13 October 2009), who included it on 'I Love You Because' (Capitol Records, 1963); Al Martino's version of the track reached No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1963, and No.1 on the Middle-Road (Adult Contemporary) Chart for two weeks in May 1963

• this track was also recorded by Jim Reeves (Monday 20 August 1923 - Friday 31 July 1964), who included it on 'Gentleman Jim' (RCA Victor Records, 1963); Jim Reeves' version of the track reached No.5 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart in 1964, No.1 on the Norwegian VG-Lista Chart for 13 weeks in 1964, No.1 on the Irish Singles Chart in 1964, No.9 on the Dutch Singles Chart in 1964, and No.54 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1964

• In 1976, 'I Love You Because' was the title track of a posthumous Jim Reeves album, which reached No.24 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart

'The Last Ride'
'Which One Will It Be'

'I Still Miss Someone', which was written by Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 - Friday 12 September 2003) / the original version of this track was recorded by Johnny Cash, who included it on 'The Fabulous Johnny Cash' (Columbia Records, 1958); Johnny Cash's version of the track reached No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1958, No.32 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1958, and No.3 on the Australian Kent Music Report Chart in 1958

'This Song Is Just For You' / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Gene Watson' (Wide World Records, 1969 / Stoneway Records, 1973)

'I Washed My Face (In The Morning Dew)', which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 - Friday 20 August 2021) / the original version of this track was recorded by Tom T. Hall, who included it on 'Ballad of Forty Dollars' (Mercury Records, 1969); Tom T. Hall's version of the track reached No.30 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1967

'Ghost Story' (written by Joe Allen) / the original version of this track was recorded by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 - Friday 8 September 2017), who included it on 'Don Williams: Volume III' (ABC / Dot Records, 1974)

'You're Still Mine'
'Old Dogs & Children'

Following the release of his debut album, 'These Songs Are Just For You' (Emerald Gem Records, 1977), Gerry Ford began touring the nation's clubs with his Gerry Ford Country Show.



In 1978, Gerry Ford moved from Radio Forth in Edinburgh to BBC Radio Scotland in Glasgow, where he hosted 'Country Corner', a show he presented for a total of fifteen years, between 1978 and 1993.



In 1978, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'Someone To Give My Love To' (Emerald Gem Records, 1978), which included the following tracks:

'Someone To Give My Love To' (written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice) / the original version of this track was recorded by Johnny Paycheck (Tuesday 31 May 1938 - Wednesday 19 February 2003), who included it on 'Someone To Give My Love To' (Epic Records, 1972); Johnny Paycheck's version of the track reached No.4 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1972

'I Just Had To Write A Song About It' (written by Gerry Ford)

'Paper Rosie', which was written by Dallas Harms (Thursday 18 July 1935 - Saturday 12 October 2019) / the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Paper Rosie' (Capitol Records, 1977); Gene Watson's version of the track reached No.3 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1977, No.1 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1977, No.4 on the Cash Box Country Music Singles Chart in April 1977, and No.1 on the Record World Country Music Singles Chart for one week in April 1977 (Saturday 16 April 1977 - Saturday 23 April 1977)

'Pinto, The Wonder Horse Is Dead', which was written by Tom T. Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 - Friday 20 August 2021) / the original version of this track was recorded by Tom T. Hall, who included it on 'One Hundred Children' (Mercury Records, 1970)

'Family Bible' (written by Willie Nelson and credited to Walt Breeland, Paul Buskirk and Claude Gray) / the original version of this track was recorded by Claude Gray for D Records, and was released as a non-album track in February 1960, reaching No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1960

• this track was also recorded by Willie Nelson, who included it on 'Yesterday's Wine' (RCA Victor Records, 1971) and 'Family Bible' (Songbird Records, 1980)

• this track was also recorded by Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, who included it on their debut album, 'Lost In The Ozone' (Paramount Records, 1971)

• this track was also recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 - Friday 26 April 2013), who included it on 'Cup of Loneliness' (Musicor Records, 1967), 'The Best of Sacred Music' (Musicor Records, 1971) and 'The Best of George Jones' (RCA Victor Records, 1972); George Jones' version of the track reached No.16 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1961

• this track was also recorded by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard (Tuesday 6 April 1937 - Wednesday 6 April 2016), who included it on 'Django & Jimmie' (Legacy Records, 2015)

'It's Gotta Be Magic', which was written by Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 - Friday 8 September 2017) / the original version of this track was recorded by Don Williams, who included it on 'Country Boy' (Dot Records, 1977)

'Who Wrote The First Country Song' (written by Gerry Ford)

'One Drink Is One Too Many' (written by Carroll Baker)

'While' (written by Gerry Ford and Irene MacAleese)

'She Thinks I Still Care' (written by Steve Duffy and Dickey Lee)

'Love Drives Out The Cold' (written by Beard W. Grover)

'I Count You' (written by John Schweers and Barbara Mandrell) / the original version of this track was recorded by Barbara Mandrell, who included it on 'Midnight Angel' (Dot Records, 1976)



In 1979, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'With Love' (Emerald Gem Records, 1979), which included the following tracks:

'The Other Side of Morning'
'Funny Face'
'What Will Love Do'
'With Love'
'If You've Got Ten Minutes (Let's Fall In Love)'
'Country Music Will Live On'
'Once In A Lifetime Thing'
'What's Really On Your Mind'
'Someone Loves You Honey'
'(Don't Make Me) A Memory Before My Time'
'The In Crowd'
'Another Blue Day'



In 1981, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'On The Road' (Big R Records, 1981), which included the following tracks:

'On The Road To Loving Me Again'
'A Teardrop On A Rose'
'I Want You Back Again'
'It Wasn't Me Who Said I Owned A Goldmine'

'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town', which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 - Sunday 19 November 2017) / the original version of this track was recorded by Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 - Friday 20 March 2020) & The First Edition, who included it on 'Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town' (Reprise Records, 1969); Kenny Rogers & The First Edition's version of the track reached No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop music singles chart in 1969

'Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain'
'She Loves My Troubles Away'
'Lord I'd Forgotten'
'One of These Days'
'The Great Mail Robbery'
'A Heartache Following Me'
'Easy'



In 1984, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'Memory Machine' (Trim Top Records, 1984), which included the following tracks:

'Memory Machine'
'There Goes My Everything'
'The Teddy Bear Song'
'A Daisy A Day'
'Rainbows & Roses'
'I Love Love Songs'
'Lonesome Medley'
'I Will Love You All My Life'
'Everything's A Waltz'
'I Wouldn't Change You If I Could'

'Make The World Go Away', which was written by Hank Cochran (Friday 2 August 1935 - Thursday 15 July 2010) / this track was also recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'My Heroes Have Always Been Country' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2014)

'Daddy's Farm'



Gerry Ford also hosted his own series on BBC Radio 2.

Gerry Ford was a guest presenter on BBC Radio 2’s 'Country Club' on various occasions, and presented the first country gospel show on BBC Radio 2.

Gerry Ford later presented country music shows for radio services Glasgow Country 105 and Clan FM in Lanarkshire, both of which were based in Scotland.



Gerry Ford also contributed CD reviews for Country Music & Dance Magazine, which was based in Scotland.



Gerry Ford interviewed Gene Watson backstage at Wembley Festival of Country Music at Wembley Arena in London, England in 1986 and we have, courtesy of Gerry's wife, Joan, the photographic evidence to prove it, as you can see above!



Gerry Ford hosted BBC Radio Scotland's 'Country Corner' for fifteen years, beginning in 1978.  When the show was cancelled, a national outcry resulted and the network was swamped with petitions, irate phone calls and letters of complaint.

Gerry Ford toured with American country music performers, including Willie Nelson and Boxcar Willie (Tuesday 1 September 1931 - Monday 12 April 1999), and also hosted and performed at Wembley Country Music Festival for many years.



In 1986, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'Thank God For The Radio' (Trim Top Records, 1986), which included the following tracks:

'Thank God For The Radio'
'I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)'
'What Is Love?'
'Are You Teasing Me?'
'Who Will Sing For Me'
'Let The Rest of The World Go By'
'I'll Never Need Another You'
'Amazing Love'

'Got No Reason Now For Going Home', which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 - Tuesday 3 July 2001) / the original version of this track was recorded by Gene Watson, who included the track on 'Heartaches, Love & Stuff' (MCA Records, 1984); Gene Watson's version of the track, which reached No.7 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1985, and No.15 on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks Chart in 1985, was also included on Gene Watson's 'Best of Gene Watson' (Curb Records, 1996) / this track was also re-recorded by Gene Watson, who included it on 'Best of the Best: 25 Greatest Hits' (Fourteen Carat Music, 2012)

'This Working Man's Got You'
'Have You Ever Been Lonely'
'Someone Is Looking For Someone Like You'



In 1993, Gerry Ford saw the release of 'Can I Count On You' (Trim Top Records, 1993), which was recorded at Hilltop Recording Studios, produced by Gerry Ford, and included the following tracks:

'Cottage In The Country' (written by Grant)

'Can I Count On You' (written by Bill Carter, Ruth Ellsworth and Terry McBride) / the original version of this track was recorded by McBride & The Ride, who included it on their debut album, 'Burnin' Up The Road' (MCA Records, 1991); McBride & The Ride's version of the track reached No.15 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991

'Twice The Speed of Love' (written by Kostas and Marty Stuart)

'Whispering Bill' (written by Gerry Ford)
'Tell Me Again' (written by Gerry Ford)
'Where Are You' (written by Gerry Ford)

'If You Want To Find Love', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004), Skip Ewing and Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 - Friday 20 March 2020) / the original version of this track was recorded by Kenny Rogers, who included it on 'Back Home Again' (Reprise Records, 1991); Kenny Rogers' version of the track reached No.11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991

'Heckel & Jeckel', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) / the original version of this track was recorded by George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 - Friday 26 April 2013), who included it on 'And Along Came Jones' (MCA Nashville Records, 1991)

'All The Time', which was written by Mel Tillis (Monday 8 August 1932 - Sunday 19 November 2017) and Wayne P. Walker / the original version of this track was recorded by Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 - Thursday 15 March 2013), who included it on 'All The Time' (Decca Records, 1967); Jack Greene's version of the track was Mo.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for five weeks in June / July 1967

'(If It Weren't For Country Music) I'd Go Crazy' (written by Alan Syms) / the original version of this track was recorded by Clinton Gregory, who included it on '(If It Weren't For Country Music) I'd Go Crazy' (Step One Records, 1991); Clinton Gregory's version of the track reached No.26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991

'After The Storm', which was written by Dale Emerson Noe (Saturday 31 December 1927 - Thursday 4 November 2004) / the original version of this track was recorded by Wynn Stewart (Thursday 7 June 1934 - Wednesday 17 July 1985), who included it on 'After The Storm' (Playboy Records, 1976); Wynn Stewart's version of the track reached No.8 on the Billboard country music singles chart in 1976

'Look At Us', which was written by Max D. Barnes (Friday 24 July 1936 - Sunday 11 January 2004) and Vince Gill / the original version of this track was recorded by Vince Gill, who included it on 'Pocket Full of Gold' (MCA Records, 1991); Vince Gill's version of the track reached No.4 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart in 1991

Personnel involved in the recording of Gerry Ford's 'Can I Count On You' (Trim Top Records, 1993) included the following:

Gerry Ford (lead vocals)
Cates Singers (backing vocals)
David Smith (bass guitar)
Sonny Garrish (Dobro)
Gene Chrisman (drums)
Glen Duncan (fiddle)
Rodger Morris (keyboards)
Gregg Galbraith (lead guitar)
Dirk Johnson and Rodger Morris (piano)
Leo Jackson (rhythm guitar)
Sonny Garrish (steel guitar)

At the time of the acquisition of this Gene Watson 'Peer's Quote', in November 2006, Gerry Ford was residing in Scotland, where he was regarded as that country's leading singer / songwriter.



Gerry Ford was a professional entertainer, appeared all around the United Kingdom and performed on twenty-one occasions at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville as guest of legendary country singer Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 - Sunday 25 September 2016).

Gerry Ford toured within the United Kingdom with numerous country music artists, including the following:

• Bill Anderson
• Rayburn Anthony
• Moe Bandy
• Skeeter Davis (Wednesday 30 December 1931 - Sunday 19 September 2004)
• Dottsy
• Roy Drusky (Sunday 22 June 1930 - Thursday 23 September 2004)
• Melba Montgomery
• Vernon Oxford
• Jean Shepard (Tuesday 21 November 1933 - Sunday 25 September 2016)
• Boxcar Willie (Tuesday 1 September 1931 - Monday 12 April 1999)
• Peggy Sue
• Faron Young (Thursday 25 February 1932 - Tuesday 10 December 1996)

Gerry Ford has also shared billing with the following artists:

• Rattlesnake Annie
• Carroll Baker
• Bobby Bare
• Gail Davies
• Barbara Fairchild
• Narvel Felts
• Tompall Glaser (Sunday 3 September 1933 - Tuesday 13 August 2013)
• Jack Greene (Tuesday 7 January 1930 - Thursday 15 March 2013)
• George Hamilton IV (Monday 19 July 1937 - Wednesday 17 September 2014)
• George Hamilton V
• Charlie Louvin (Thursday 7 July 1927 - Wednesday 26 January 2011)
• Billie Jo Spears (Friday 14 January 1938 - Wednesday 14 December 2011)
• Red Stegall
• Robert Joe Vandygriff
• Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 - Sunday 21 May 2006)
• Doyle Wilburn (Monday 7 July 1930 - Saturday 16 October 1982)
• Joy Lynn White
• Dwight Yoakam

During his illustrious radio career, Gerry Ford met and interviewed a number of acclaimed country music artists, from the United States, for his radio programmes, including the following illustrious acts:

• Roy Acuff (Tuesday 15 September 1903 - Monday 23 November 1992)
• John Anderson
• Bobby Bare
• Johnny Cash (Friday 26 February 1932 - Friday 12 September 2003)
• June Carter Cash (Sunday 23 June 1929 - Thursday 15 May 2003)
• Charlie Daniels (Wednesday 28 October 1936 - Monday 6 July 2020)
• Larry Gatlin
• Crystal Gayle
• The Glaser Brothers
• Tom T Hall (Monday 25 May 1936 - Friday 20 August 2021)
• George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 - Friday 26 April 2013)
• Patty Loveless
• Ronnie Milsap
• Bill Monroe (Wednesday 13 September 1911 - Monday 9 September 1996)
• Willie Nelson
• Jimmy C. Newman (Monday 29 August 1927 - Saturday 21 June 2014)
• Dolly Parton
• Kenny Rogers (Sunday 21 August 1938 - Friday 20 March 2020)
• Buck Owens (Monday 12 August 1929 - Saturday 25 March 2006)
• Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 January 1940 - Tuesday 3 July 2001)
• Ricky Skaggs
• Hank Snow (Saturday 9 May 1914 - Monday 20 December 1999)
• Ernest Tubb (Monday 9 February 1914 - Thursday 6 September 1984)
• Billy Walker (Monday 14 January 1929 - Sunday 21 May 2006)
• Steve Wariner
• Don Williams (Saturday 27 May 1939 - Friday 8 September 2017)
• Gene Watson
• Dottie West (Tuesday 11 October 1932 - Wednesday 4 September 1991)
• Keith Whitley (Thursday 1 July 1954 - Tuesday 9 May 1989)
• Slim Whitman (Saturday 20 January 1923 - Wednesday 19 June 2013)
• Tammy Wynette (Tuesday 5 May 1942 - Monday 6 April 1998)

Gerry Ford has also appeared at Wembley International Country Festival in London, England on four occasions as a performer and compere on the main stage, as well as hosting the 'Best of British Festival' for five years in the Conference Centre.

Gerry Ford has worked with nearly every top name on the British and Irish country music scene as support or as compere on their shows and also appeared regularly at country music festivals around Britain.

On Saturday 20 September 2008, Gerry Ford was inducted into The British Country Music Hall of Fame, during a special ceremony, which took place at Great Birchwood Country Park in Lytham St. Anne’s in England.



In November 2008, Gerry Ford made his final radio broadcast in the United Kingdom, when he was a special guest of presenter and journalist Stewart Fenwick on Celtic Music Radio, which broadcast on 1530AM in the Glasgow area in Scotland.



On Tuesday 1 July 2014, Celtic Music Radio commenced broadcasting on 95.0FM; the station ceased broadcasting on 1530AM, on this date, as per the terms of a new broadcasting licence agreement.

Gerry Ford's album discography included the following releases:

'Some One To Give My Love To' (Emerald Gem Records, 1978)
'With Love' (Emerald Gem Records, 1979)
'On The Road' (Big R Records, 1981)
'Lets Hear It For The Working Man' (Big R Records, 1982)
'Thank God For Radio' (Trim Top Records, 1986)
'Memory Machine' (Trim Top Records, 1987)
'All Over Again' (Trim Top Records, 1988)
'Stranger Things Have Happened' (Trim Top Records, 1989)
'Better Man' (Trim Top Records, 1991)
'Can I Count On You' (Trim Top Records, 1993)
'Sixteen Country Favorites, Volume 2' (Trim Top Records, 1994)





• Visit Gerry Ford's official site at gerryford.weebly.com