Fletcher Bangs "Biff" Watson (born 1952) is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer. His musicianship has been a part of recording sessions for many artists.[1]

Biff Watson
Birth nameFletcher Bangs Watson V
Born1952 (age 71–72)
Virginia, U.S.
GenresRock music, country music
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Years active1971–present
Formerly ofTennessee Pulleybone
Websitebiffbangs.com

Biography

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Early years

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Raised in Chatham, Virginia,[2] Watson learned how to play guitar at age 11. Upon graduation from high school, he hitchhiked to Nashville where he played on demos and showcases, and backing up touring artists Crystal Gayle,[3] Tracy Nelson, and Don Williams.[4]

Recording session work and production

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Watson focused on session work for producers such as Emory Gordy Jr.[5] and Garth Fundis, and eventually branched out into record production.[6]

Watson has worked with artists such as Dusty Springfield,[7] George Strait,[8] Dolly Parton,[9] Toby Keith,[10] Sara Evans,[11] and Shania Twain.[12]

Collaborations

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Don Williams' backing band "The Scratch Band" included Watson, Danny Flowers, Dave Pomeroy, and Pat McInerney.[13] They released one album, The Scratch Band Featuring Danny Flowers.[14]

Watson was an original member of the band Tennessee Pulleybone along with Big Ken Smith, Jerry Tuttle, and John Wolters. The band recorded several singles for JMI Records in Jack Clements' studio.[15]

Watson was a member of the band Tone Patrol, with Pomeroy, Kenny Malone, Larry Chaney, and Sam Bacco.[16][17]

Watson has frequently been a member and leader of the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony Band. Other members have included John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason, Michael Rhodes, Deanie Richardson, Tania Hancheroff, and Wes Hightower.[18]

Other

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Watson serves on the board of directors of the Country Music Association.[19]

Watson is a Trustee of Local 257 Nashville Chapter of the American Federation of Musicians.

Watson serves on the Advisory Board of The American Music Channel, and is a partner in Trifectone Music Group, which writes, produces and performs the music for Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 Countdown.

Discography

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With The Scratch Band

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  • 1982: The Scratch Band Featuring Danny Flowers (MCA)

Also appears on

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  Go to:    1986 - 1989   |   1990 - 1992   |   1993 - 1995   |   1996 - 1998   |   1999 - 2001   |   2002 - 2004   |   2005 - 2011   |   2012 - present  

1986 - 1989

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1990 - 1992

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1993 - 1995

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1996 - 1998

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1999 - 2001

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2002 - 2004

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2005 - 2011

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2012 - present

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Bibliography

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  • 2005: Chas Williams - The Nashville Number System ISBN 978-0963090676 - Watson contributed chart examples[20]

References

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  1. ^ Mayor, Alan (November 18, 2014). The Nashville Family Album: A Country Music Scrapbook. Macmillan. ISBN 9781466885677. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  2. ^ "Writers, Artists, and Craftspeople". Town of Chatham. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  3. ^ staff (June 17, 1978). "Crystal Gayle: 'a shining lady'". The Morning News. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  4. ^ Phil Sweetland (March 1, 2002). "Biff Watson: Perfect Acoustics". CMA Close Up. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  5. ^ "Patty Loveless readies new CD". Country Standard Time. July 10, 2008. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  6. ^ "Biff Watson's 5 "T"s for studio work". July 29, 2015. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  7. ^ Howes, Paul (2001). The Complete Dusty Springfield. Reynolds & Hearn. ISBN 9781903111246. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "George Strait Album: "One Step at a Time"". Best Country Singers. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  9. ^ Cardwell, Nancy (July 22, 2011). The Words and Music of Dolly Parton: Getting to Know Country's "Iron Butterfly". Abc-Clio. ISBN 9780313378041. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  10. ^ Bishop, Rand (2010). The Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success: From Song Dog to Top Dog : Making it in the Music Business. Alfred Music. ISBN 9780739071915. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  11. ^ Woodstra, Chris; John Bush; Stephen Thomas Erlewine (2008). "biff+watson"+producer Contemporary Country. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9780879309183. Retrieved October 23, 2017.
  12. ^ Eggar, Robin (June 15, 2010). Shania Twain: The Biography. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781451604542. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  13. ^ Tuber, Keith (July 1, 1982). "The Gentle Giant of Country: Don Williams". Orange Coast Magazine. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  14. ^ Ty Campbell (November 1, 2015). "Dave Pomeroy, No Limits". Bass Musician. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  15. ^ Anne Freeman (December 15, 2002). "The Tennessee Pulleybone: A Forgotten Piece of Country Music History". Music Dish. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  16. ^ Artimisi, Tony (2015). Rhythm Makers: The Drumming Legends of Nashville in Their Own Words. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781442240117. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  17. ^ staff (February 28, 1988). "Concerts". The Tennessea. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  18. ^ Edward Morris (April 28, 2008). "Emmylou Harris, Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman Enter Country Music Hall of Fame". CNT News. Archived from the original on December 23, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  19. ^ "Board of Directors". Country Music Association. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  20. ^ Chas Williams. "The Nashville Number System". Retrieved October 23, 2017.
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