All of Gene Watson's Peers, who were contacted by The Gene Watson Fan Site, during 2008, were most gracious with their time and words.
It is here, within this special part of The Gene Watson Fan Site, that you have an opportunity to read a quote from Jesse Dayton, which he submitted to this site on Sunday 24 February 2008.
Sean Brady would like to take this opportunity to say 'thank you' to Jesse Dayton who has made a special contribution to a unique part of this online 'celebration of a Lone Star Hero'.
This quote was submitted on Sunday 24 February 2008.
'Gene's cool and laid-back vocal style was always on the radio growing up in my hometown of Beaumont, Texas.
Thank you, Jesse Dayton, for your support of Gene Watson.
Jesse Dayton was raised in Beaumont in east Texas and was heavily influenced by two artists who lived in the area, George Jones (Saturday 12 September 1931 - Friday 26 April 2013) and Lightnin' Hopkins.
Jesse Dayton began to play the guitar at the age of fifteen and it was George Jones' raw emotional style which drew him into the world of country music. When he was old enough, Jesse Dayton took trips to Houston to see Townes Van Zandt (Tuesday 7 March 1944 - Wednesday 1 January 1997), and to Amarillo to see ZZ Top.
Jesse Dayton later settled in Austin, Texas where he formed a number of groups, including The Midnight Ramblers and The Alamo Jets.
In 1995, Jesse Dayton was signed by Justice Records, whose roster included Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 - Wednesday 13 February 2002), and saw the release, on Tuesday 25 July 1995, of 'Raisin' Cain' (Justice Records, 1995), his first solo album, which featured guest appearances from several Texas legends including Doug Sahm, Johnny Gimble (Sunday 30 May 1926 - Saturday 9 May 2015) and Flaco Jimenez.
Jesse Dayton's first solo album, 'Raisin' Cain' (Justice Records, 1995), achieved a No.1 position on The Gavin Report's Americana Chart.
The success of Jesse Dayton's 'Raisin' Cane' (Justice Records, 1995) led to some high profile gigs; President Bill Clinton's Inaugural Ball in 1996, touring with George Strait during 'Strait Fest' (an eighteen-stadium tour in 1997) and appearances at Willie Nelson's Fourth of July picnic concerts.
Following an appearance on The Crook & Chase Show in 1997, Jesse Dayton was invited by Waylon Jennings (Tuesday 15 June 1937 - Wednesday 13 February 2002) to play guitar on a studio session for Waylon's 'Right For The Time' (Justice Records, 1996).
Jesse Dayton then moved to Los Angeles, recorded a number of albums with his band, The Road Kings, and toured with Chris Isaak.
In 2015, Jesse Dayton's 'Tall Texas Tales' (Bullet Records, 2015) was completely remixed, the vocals were redone and bonus tracks (fifteen songs in total) were included.
It was also in 2000 when Jesse Dayton recorded a duet with Dwight Yoakam's producer / guitarist Pete Anderson for inclusion on the various artists album 'Young Guitar Slingers' (Texas Music Group / Antone's Records, 2000); the track was 'Gimme Back My Wig' (written by Theodore Roosevelt Taylor).