Introduction:

Country music thrives on honest storytelling, and veteran singer Gene Watson has embodied that tradition for over five decades. Throughout his career, Watson’s baritone vocals and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with audiences, solidifying his place as a country music legend. In 2009, Watson revisited his signature sound with the release of the album A Taste of the Truth.

A Taste of the Truth is a testament to Watson’s enduring ability to craft relatable and poignant country music. Produced by Dirk Johnson, the album showcases Watson’s rich vocals backed by a tight-knit band, featuring musicians like Sonny Garrish on steel guitar and Joel Key on acoustic guitar. The result is a collection of songs that are both traditionally country and undeniably contemporary.

While A Taste of the Truth didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of some of Watson’s earlier works, it was critically acclaimed for its authenticity and emotional depth. Reviews praised the album’s exploration of mature themes like heartbreak, regret, and resilience, all delivered with Watson’s signature sincerity. The album also benefitted from collaborations with established country artists like Trace Adkins and Rhonda Vincent, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to the project.

A Taste of the Truth stands as a significant entry in Gene Watson’s expansive discography. It represents not only his enduring talent as a singer but also his commitment to creating music that connects with listeners on a personal level. The album’s exploration of universal themes ensures its continued relevance for longtime fans and newcomers alike

Video:

Lyrics:

You gave me what I was hungry for
And got on with your life when I walked out the door
I’d eat my words to have you back if I thought I could
Cause the truth don’t satisfy me like I thought it would

In fact it leaves me hollow with a bad taste in my mouth
It’s hard for me to swallow tears won’t wash it down
Knowing you don’t want me back it’s all that I can do
To keep from choking on the taste of the truth

So afraid that life was gonna pass me by
Needing you again had never crossed my mind
The freedom that I thought I couldn’t live without
Has a lonely flavor I never knew about

You Missed

ALAN HALTED HIS OWN PERFORMANCE — AND LEFT PRODUCERS STUNNED IN SILENCE. The awards show was choreographed down to the last second. On a live national broadcast, there was no room for mistakes — especially not during one of country music’s biggest nights. Everything was scripted. Everything was controlled. But Alan Jackson has never been an artist who prioritizes protocol over principle. Earlier that evening, producers informed George Jones — a towering figure in country music — that his iconic song would be reduced to a brief, edited segment. No full performance. No proper tribute. Just a fragment. Alan didn’t argue. He didn’t protest. He simply listened. Then it was his turn to take the stage. Alan walked out and launched into his hit “Pop a Top.” The band was tight. The audience relaxed. It felt routine — exactly as rehearsed. Until, midway through the song, Alan abruptly stopped singing. The band hesitated. The room shifted. Confusion rippled through the crowd. Then Alan gave a subtle cue. Without warning, the musicians transitioned into the unmistakable opening of “Choices” — George Jones’ deeply personal anthem. The atmosphere changed instantly. Alan delivered the song not just as a cover, but as a statement — a gesture of defiance wrapped in reverence. It was both tribute and protest, honoring a legend whose moment had been diminished only minutes before. In that unscripted pivot, Alan Jackson turned a tightly controlled broadcast into a defining act of respect. What producers feared as disruption became one of the most talked-about moments in country music history. And as cameras swept across the audience, few realized what George Jones did in his seat that night — a quiet reaction that made the moment even more powerful.