NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  Legendary country vocalist Gene Watson was honored with the commission of Kentucky Colonel during his show at the Kentucky Opry. While on stage in Benton, Kentucky, Bill Cates, a longtime fan of Watson’s, presented the honor on behalf of Mayor Mathew Bevins. The Kentucky Colonels were established in 1813 and notable honorees include Winston Churchill, John Glenn, Clark Gable, Bing Crosby, J. Edgar Hoover, Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers and now Gene Watson. 
 
“I am so humbled to receive this honor and be in the company of such renowned individuals. I have always enjoyed performing in the great state of Kentucky and look forward to coming back for more!” said Watson. 

The commission of Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky. It is recognition of an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state and nation. This honor comes on the heels of Watson’s monumental year that included three consecutive No. 1 singles from his album My Gospel Roots and the 40th anniversary of his hit single “Farewell Party.” Watson, an in-demand performer, is celebrating the career milestone by taking his octave-jumping performance on the road for more than 80 dates this year. 

My Gospel Roots is available on Watson’s website, iTunes and Amazon.

GENE WATSON ON TOUR:
Nov.  01 The Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.
Nov.  02 Bi-Centennial Celebration – Lebanon, Va.
Nov.  08 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov.  15 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Nov.  23 Granbury Live Theatre – Granbury, Texas
Nov.  29 Theatre Dublin – Dublin, Ga.
Nov.  30 Rainwater Conference Center – Valdosta, Ga.
Dec.  06 Kansas Crossing Casino – Pittsburg, Kan.
Jan.  09 Charlotte PAC – Punta Gorda, Fla.
Jan.  10 Genesis Center – Lake Placid, Fla.
Jan.  11 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan.  12 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan.  18 Belterra Resort Casino – Florence, Ind.
Jan.  26 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Jan.  27 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Jan.  28 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Jan.  29 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Jan.  30 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Jan.  31 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Feb.  01 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Feb.  02 Larry’s Country Diner Cruise 2020 – Port of Galveston, Texas
Feb.  09 Dixie National Livestock Show – Jackson, Miss.
Feb.  22 Riverside Club – Mission, Texas
Feb.  27 Rodgers Theatre – Poplar Bluff, Mo.
Feb.  29 Ameristar Casino – Kansas City, Mo.
Mar.  27 Heart of TX Music Festival – Brady, Texas
Apr.  04 Windstone Ent. Center – Jefferson City, Mo.
Apr.  17 Edna Boykin Cultural Center – Wilson, N.C.
Apr.  19 Walhalla Civic Auditorium – Walhalla, S.C.
Apr.   25 Margaritaville Casino – Bossier City, La.
Apr.  26 Melba Theatre – Batesville, Ark.
Apr.  30 Palace Theatre – Crossville, Tenn.
May  01 Little Roy & Lizzy Fest – Lincolnton, Ga.
May  02 Liberty Showcase Theatre – Liberty, N.C.
May  08 Blue Gate PAC – Shipshewana, Ind.
May  16 Old Dominion barn Dance – Hopewell, Va.
May  17 Old Dominion barn Dance – Hopewell, Va.
May  21 Arena Theatre – Houston, Texas
May  22 Winstar Casino – Thackerville, Okla.
May  23 Riverwind Casino – Norman, Okla.
May  31 Newberry Opera House – Newberry, S.C.
Jun.  06 The Coyote Store – Gail, Texas
Jun. 18 Cactus Pete’s – Jackpot, Nev.
Jun. 19 Cactus Pete’s – Jackpot, Nev.
Jun. 20 Cactus Pete’s – Jackpot, Nev.
Jul.  12 American Music Theatre – Lancaster, Pa.
Jul.  18 IP Casino Resort & Spa – Biloxi, Miss.
Aug.  07 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Aug.  08 Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, Texas
Sep.  12 Smoky Mt. PAC – Franklin, N.C.
Oct.  03 The Mill Music Hall – Bremen, Ga.
Oct.  16 Kentucky Opry – Benton, Ky.
Oct.  17 Kentucky Opry – Benton, Ky.
Oct.  23 The Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct.  25 54 Country – Fulton, Mo.
Nov.  07 The Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Dec.  04 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas

For more information on Gene Watson, visit GeneWatsonMusic.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT GENE WATSON:
This masterful country stylist from Houston, Texas has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. Gene Watson’s tally of 75 charted titles, 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country records and three No. 1 gospel hits has led to membership in the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and the Houston, TX Music Hall of Fame. Radio listeners are still transfixed whenever classics like “Farewell Party,” “Fourteen Carat Mind” or “Love in the Hot Afternoon” are played. Considered one of the finest pure-country singers of his generation and known as “The Singer’s Singer”, Watson offers up one of the best traditional country shows in the business. In 2017, Watson released My Gospel Roots, which featured the No. 1 Cashbox Country Christian and Christian Servant Chart single “Old Roman Soldier.” 

# # #