Today's Country

Standing Room Only
Contributed By:  Sarah Brosmer
Lytle Management

August 27, 2009  

(Nashville, TN)   It was standing room only for the who's who crowd of Music Row industry elites at Douglas Corner in Nashville, TN last night . The adoring crowd was there to hear Gene Watson who took the stage as special guest of 45RPM,  a renowned Nashville band of session players and songwriters who perform only classic country songs. The night was partly a celebration for Gene Watson's newly released album A Taste of The Truth (Shanachie Records) which was produced by 45RPM's Dirk Johnson . Several other members of the band also added their talents to the album as players or as part of the Farewell Party Choir. 

      Adding to the excitement of the night was the appearance of 7 x IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Rhonda Vincent as well as multi-talented singer/songwriter, Billy Yates.  Yates, co -writer of the Gene Watson/Trace Adkins duet "We've Got A Pulse" stepped up to admirably fill Trace's part when Watson was called to sing that song.  Rhonda Vincent's duet with Gene for the new album titled "Staying Together" is also the first single and when the pair sang that one, the audience responded with a standing ovation. 

      An appreciative Watson stated, "I want to thank 45RPM for inviting me to their stage to debut songs from my new album. After 40 years in the business, it still remains a huge thrill to perform with such amazing musicians and songwriters. Add to that, singing with outstanding vocalists Rhonda Vincent and Billy Yates and well, as they say, it just doesn't get any better than that."

       Photo:   45RPM steel player, Mike Johnson (left) enjoys Rhonda Vincent and Gene Watson performing "Staying Together" at Douglas Corner.  Joanie Keller Johnson (far right) adds harmony.