New Episodes!
Journey to the Circle Podcast
In the last 100 years there have only been a few hundred people in the world who have taken this journey,with each path as unique and diverse as the people themselves. Every Grand Ole Opry member’s story in many ways is why they have been inducted. We found Gene Watson’s path so impactful we made him our first Journey to the Circle Spotlight.
Gene Watson is celebrating his 60th year making music. With millions of miles between him as a teenager performing in Texas to becoming a Grand Ole Opry member in 2020, and continuing to sing on stages across the world today. He embodies what it takes to go after your dreams no matter what cards you have been dealt, no matter you not being in the thick of it all. True talent and tenacity will bring you to that spotlight and hallowed circle if you are worthy.
Meet The Host and Spotlight Artist
Host Marcia Campbell
Spotlight Artist Gene Watson
If you ask any number of country singers who their favorite singer is, a large number of them will respond: Gene Watson. His music peers even named him “The Singer’s Singer” for his octave jumping range and smooth tone. Gene Watson has 34 studio albums, scored over 72 charted songs, including 23 Top Tens and 6 #1 hits over his Sixty-year career. Watson’s first single, the self- penned, “If It’s That Easy” was released on Sun Valley Records in 1962.
Episodes
Episode 1 - Gene Watson The Beginning
Gene Watson and Marcia Campbell meet backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and talk about his childhood and the first time he went to Ryman to see the Grand Ole Opry. We also talk with renounded writer and music critic Robert K. Oermann and Opry Superstar Vince Gill about what Gene Watson the man and his music means to them.
Episode 2 - Gene Watson - Discovered (Premiers Dec 3)
eGene Watson and Marcia Campbell reminisce on Gene’s early beginnings as a musician and how the Wilburn Brothers discovered Gene in a bar and brought him to the Grand Ole Opry stage for his first appearance. We also talk to Grand Ole Opry star, Jeannie Seely, mega entertainer, Mo Bandy, and Bluegrass Queen and Opry Member, Rhonda Vincent about working with Gene Watson.
Episode 3 - Gene Watson - Song Success (Premieres Dec 10)
We talk with Gene about his career moving fast. We also catch up with Country Music Star, Joe Nichols about how he met his hero at the Grand Ole Opry as well as songwriter extraordinaire, Joe Allen, and the many cuts Gene Watson has recorded from his collections of songs.
Episode 4 - Gene Watson Movies and Music (Premieres Dec 17)
Gene takes us back to when he received his first #1 Billboard hit, as well as songs that were included in the movies and television and how Clint Eastwood requested Gene to sing in the iconic movie ‘Any Which Way You Can”. We also speak to Grand Ole Opry Member, Steve Wariner about his respect for Gene and his music and inducting him into the Grand Ole Opry.
Episode 5- Gene Watson - The Turn Of the Century, Music and Health (Premieres Dec 24)
Music changed drastically at the turn of the century with music downloads, to streaming music, to be able to reach a mass fan base with social media. Gene also talks about his health scare while being on the Grand Ole Opry stage. We also talk to hit songwriter Erin Enderlin about meeting Gene at the Opry and having three cuts on his new album, Outside the Box. Don’t miss the little-known Christmas song that Gene cut with George Jones!
Episode 6 - Gene Watson Induction into the Opry (Premieres Dec 31)
We finish up Gene Watson’s journey with Gene’s reflection on being inducted just days before the shutdown and the deal he made with Vince Gill to be inducted (wink). We also talk to Grand Ole Opry manager, Dan Rogers about Gene Watson being the first artist he invited when he got the new position. We also talk to Gene about working with Willie Nelson on his new song “Wonderful Future” from the new album Outside The Box.
Episode Bonus - Gene Watson - Outside the Box (Premieres Jan 7)
We bring you a cut-by-cut interview of the new album from Gene Watson, Outside The Box. This bonus episode displays the biggest reason Gene Watson was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The Singers Singer brings exceptional music to this new album with a 60-year history of recording to sit proudly on top of. Get this album wherever music is sold or at GeneWatsonMusic.com
Get In Touch
We want to hear from you! Let us know what you thought of the podcast and who you think should be the next Journey to the Circle spotlight artist..
About Journey to the Circle
In cooperation with The Grand Ole Opry and WSM-AM radio, Gene Watson is spotlighted on the premiere of “Journey to the Circle”. This brand-new series takes a deep dive into the history and path taken that brought Grand ole Opry members to “The Circle”. This six-episode release focusing on Watson’s journey will be aired on WSM-am Radio starting Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, Nov 26th at 7 AM CST and each Saturday thereafter during its 6 episode event. You can tune in at https://wsmradio.com/
You can hear episodes of “Journey to the Circle with Gene Watson” on WSM-AM radio Saturdays at 7 am, beginning Thanksgiving weekend 11/26, and running through 12/31. Listen online at wsmradio.com
YOU CAN ALSO HEAR EACH EPISODE WITH GENE’S MUSIC WHEN YOU LISTEN ON THE SPOTIFY APP. GET A FREE MONTH OF SPOTIFY PREMIUM TO HEAR “JOURNEY TO THE CIRCLE” EPISODES WITH FULL SONGS. BY VISITING SPOTIFY.COM.
Every Saturday 7 AM CT through December
