Austin’s own honky tonk hero embodies the outlaw country spirit with knock-out live shows and a country-contrarian style that aligns him more with yesterdays Opry than today’s CMT.

Watson’s quintessential country baritone and perceptive songwriting have helped him stand out as the torchbearer for a classic country sound. His disdain for the direction of modern country led him to become somewhat of a spokesperson for the now-fringe artists of the country genre: musicians that play honky-tonk, western swing and rockabilly. As he says, “Nashville has torn out its roots and put 'em on the curb to be picked up by the garbage man."

Watson has flown the flag for classic honky-tonk for over two decades and twenty albums, beginning with his classic 1995 debut Cheatin’ Heart Attack and moving through landmarks The Truckin’ Sessions and Every Song I Write is For You. El Rancho Azul, his latest LP, proves his place as one of the world’s finest C&W singers and songwriters.