Introduction:
Country music singer Gene Watson carved out a niche for himself in the 1970s and 1980s with a brand of traditional country music that resonated with fans who felt the genre was straying too far from its roots. Within that niche, “Mirrors Don’t Lie” stands out as one of his crowning achievements. Released in 1986, the song is a prime example of Watson’s commitment to themes of heartbreak, regret, and living a life true to oneself, all wrapped in a classic country sound.
“Mirrors Don’t Lie” wasn’t written by Watson himself, but by songwriting team Johnny Russell and Bobby Braddock. Russell was already a country music legend by the 1980s, having penned hits like “Act Naturally” for Buck Owens, while Braddock was a successful songwriter whose tunes had been recorded by artists like Willie Nelson and Tanya Tucker. The pairing proved fruitful, crafting a song that perfectly fit Watson’s persona.
Production duties for “Mirrors Don’t Lie” fell to country music giant Billy Sherrill. Sherrill was known for his polished “countrypolitan” sound that had dominated the airways in the 1960s and 1970s. By the 1980s, however, that style was beginning to wane. Sherrill, however, adapted his approach for Watson, employing a smoother, more contemporary sound that maintained a strong country foundation.
“Mirrors Don’t Lie” proved to be a critical and commercial success. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, becoming Watson’s biggest hit. It further solidified his reputation as a country traditionalist and helped him land a spot on the prestigious Grand Ole Opry. The song remains a staple of Watson’s live performances and a beloved classic among country music fans.
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