Corky Owens with Gene Watson

Terry Downs · Post by **Terry Downs** » 16 Jun 2002 9:32 am

We opened the show for Gene Watson last night at the Crystal Chandelier in Lancaster Texas. Gene and his band were awesome once again. If you like great country steel guitar, you need to see a live Gene Watson performance and hear Corky Owens. His styles and sounds embodies the full range of steel guitar work in Gene's records. He plays the Buddy Emmons and Tiny Olson stuff just like the record. I am old friends with Corky from back in the Perfect Stranger days. He is an awesome picker. For part of the show, I listened to his steel channel through the PFL bus of the house console. One can gain a lot of insight on what a quality player like Corky does in the fills and pads. Those kind of things generally gets lost in the mix.

Gene's vocals still raise the hair on my back. I played around with the EQ on Gene's vocal in the house mix and guess what... It don't matter! When he opens his mouth and sings, it sounds great. There is no studio or live performance magic required for a voice like that.

Corky reads the forum, but is not a member. Encourage him to register and contribute. He has a lot of knowledge to offer.

Thanks Corky for a great evening.

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Terry Downs
http://nightshift.net
terry@nightshift.net

Merv Dawson · Post by **Merv Dawson** » 16 Jun 2002 1:54 pm

Corky is not only a great steel player, he is a true Christian gentleman. His family is also great. Fine Folks.

Jason Powers · Post by **Jason Powers** » 16 Jun 2002 2:02 pm

When I saw Gene and his band at the Little Nashville Opry last year, I thought it was amazing how much Corky sounded like Lloyd, especially on "Farewell Party" great player for sure Jason

Louie Hallford · Post by **Louie Hallford** » 17 Jun 2002 1:59 pm

Didn't I meet Corky in the mid 70's when he was managing the Melody Shop in Mt Pleasant Tx.(Home of Ray Price).

If I recall, Corky was playing lead guitar at The Orange Blossom,a local club.Seems he was just starting on steel at time. Somebody refresh my memory,if I am wrong.

Working at the Blossom had to be tough duty, having to look at Judy Narromore, the owners beautiful wife every night he played.

I had a better deal, she was my secretary so I got to see her every day. She could even type

. A few years after I left she was promoted to personnel mgr and was a good one.

Sorry to get so far off the Corky topic,could not resist. He will understand.[This message was edited by louie hallford on 17 June 2002 at 03:02 PM.][This message was edited by louie hallford on 17 June 2002 at 03:05 PM.]

Tiny Olson · Post by **Tiny Olson** » 17 Jun 2002 6:04 pm

I totally agree with the positive statements about Corky Owens. He is a true gentleman and a fantastic player.

I got an e-mail from him a short while ago and he told me that he plans to join the forum soon. That would be a very good thing.

As for Mr. Watson, well I worked for a few others besides him but Gene was and is my favorite singer. And after playing for him for almost 10 yrs., I know how he likes steel guitar... alot !! Gene is very proud to have Corky in his band. They do sound great.

Boy, I used to like to play the Cyrstal Chand. and the Little Nashville Indiana Opry. That brings back some fine memories.

Tiny Olson