Dale Watson

• Genre: Bakersfield Sound
• Hometown: Pasadena
• Dale Watson Website

About

It took Dale Watson a good deal of traveling to find his place in the world, and that nomadic, time-to-move-on spirit is a common thread that runs through many of his songs. Watson plays country music in the tradition of 1950s and 1960s Honky-Tonk, which puts him firmly out of step with today's heavily produced Country Pop artists burning their way up the charts. His deep voice and old-fashioned style recall the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. The wheels were set in motion back in 1988 when, at the urging of Rosie Flores, Watson moved to Los Angeles; thus began his stint as guitarist in the house band at the local Palomino Club, which in turn led to a contract with Curb Records and a contribution to the Town South of Bakersfield compilation. After a short stint in Nashville, Watson ended up in Austin, where he signed to HighTone Records and released Cheatin' Heart Attack (1995), Blessed or Damned (1996), and The Truckin' Sessions (1998). In 2000, Watson's fiance was killed in an auto accident, and Dale's grief spiraled out of control. Taking pills and drinking heavily, the singer checked himself into a mental institution. Writing proved to be the best healer, and in 2001 Watson released Every Song I Write is for You. In 2005, Watson was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, and then moved to Maryland to be closer to his daughters. 2007 saw the release of both From the Cradle to the Grave and The Little Darlin' Sessions, but it was 2009's The Truckin' Sessions, Vol. 2 where Dale Watson returned to form.

- Linda Ryan