The Legendary Gene Watson to Release Classic New CD 'Then And Now' on Koch Records Nashville

NASHVILLE, TN. (KOCH Records) - One of the most respected vocalists in the country music industry, Gene Watson, will release his 37th album in a stellar career that spans three decades. Watson's latest CD, "Then and Now," will hit retail stores on June 21, 2005, from his new record label, Koch Records Nashville.

"Then And Now" is a collection of thirteen songs that Watson has re-recorded because he feels that the songs should have been singles and need to be heard by his many fans. The selections include, "If I'm A Fool For Leaving," "I Didn't Think Of You At All," "Everybody Needs A Hero," and "You Put Out An Old Flame Last Night."
Watson produced the CD and joining him with harmony vocals is John Wesley Ryles. Some of the most respected musicians in the business also played on this new project, Bobby All & Jimmy Capps (acoustic guitar), Jerry Croon (drums), Greg Galbreath (lead guitar), Sonny Garrish (steel guitar), Hargus "Pig" Robbins (piano), Hank Sanger & Hoot Hester (fiddle), and David Smith (bass).

"This new CD is a heartfelt project and is definitely made for my fans as a way of saying thanks for all of the years of support, "says Watson. "Nashville is known for its great songwriters and I feel so privileged to have cut so many great songs over the years. Some of these tunes were too good to let lie on previous albums so I wanted to re-cut the songs to give them a fresher feel and make sure they got to be heard by country fans."

"Gene is one of the most respected singers within the country music industry," says Nick Hunter, General Manager, Koch Records Nashville. "His voice is timeless and I was impressed with his concept for this project. I think Gene and Koch will make a perfect fit."

KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada.
KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last three years (2001-2004). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit www.kochrecords.com.