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 2017, 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 Jim Blackstock, which he submitted to this site on Wednesday 28 June 2017.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Jim Blackstock who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
This quote was submitted on Wednesday 28 June 2017.
'Besides being a long-time friend, Gene Watson is all any musician could ask for, as a band leader.
He is loyal and fair to his band members, pays them well, keeps them busy, and considers himself just one of the guys.
Never one to place himself above the band, he is not one of those who remains in the rear area of the bus, but spends much time up front, interacting with the guys.
Road trips are a fun experience for The Farewell Party Band, I can assure you'
Thank you, Jim Blackstock, for your support of Gene Watson.
About Jim Blackstock...
Gene Watson with Jim Blackstock and A.V. Mittelstedt at Dosey Doe's in The Woodlands, Texas on Thursday 13 November 2014
Jim Blackstock was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday 14 January 1944.
Jim Blackstock attended Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, Texas and studied at Del Mar College, also in Corpus Christi, Texas.
In 1969, Jim Blackstock played on Gene Watson's first album, 'Gene Watson' (Wide World Records, 1969), which was released on Wide World Records. Since the release of this album, Jim Blackstock and Gene Watson have been friends.
Gene Watson's first album, 'Gene Watson' (Wide World Records, 1969), was re-released by Stoneway Records in 1973.
KIKK 650 AM (image courtesy of Tori Saltsman Mask of South Belt Houston Digital History Archive)
At the time of the release of Gene Watson's first album, 'Gene Watson' (Wide World Records, 1969), Jim Blackstock was a disc jockey at KIKK, a radio station based in the Houston area of Texas. KIKK started out as KRCT and was licensed to cover the Pasadena area. On Monday 1 May 1961, KRCT changed call letters to KIKK. For many years in the 1970s and 1980s, KIKK 650AM was a country music radio station.
Jim Blackstock worked with Gene Watson between December 2001 and October 2005, and again between April 2008 and May 2010.
In April 2004, Jim Blackstock toured with Gene Watson when The Farewell Party Band visited in Ireland; this photo of Jim Blackstock and Sean Brady was taken at The Park House Hotel in Edgeworthstown, County Longford on Sunday 9 April 2004.
At the time of the acquisition of this Gene Watson 'Peer's Quote', in June 2017, Jim Blackstock had completed the recording of his Gospel album project, and was looking forward to its release.
On Friday 30 June 2017, Jim Blackstock provided this further quote about Gene Watson:
'The years I toured with Gene Watson were a very rewarding and unforgettable time in my life.
I got to go places and meet wonderful people I never would have, had Gene not called me one Friday morning in December 2001 and offered me the opportunity.
One of my dreams was to play on The Grand Ole Opry, just one time in my life. I got to do that twenty-five times with this man, this old friend of mine. Not only that, it was my first job out on the road. And not only that, it was at The Ryman Auditorium.
The dreams just kept coming true, over time. Getting to travel to Ireland was indeed a high point. I miss the travel, the shows, the people, and seeing their delight in hearing Gene perform. Just imagine how it feels up on the stage, hearing him sing his classic hits, knowing this is the real deal, not just some guy wishing he could sound like Gene Watson.
Here I am, having him trust me to help make his music. I felt appreciated by Gene, and that really goes a long way'.
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