Aaron Watson (www.aaronwatson.com) began his career selling singles out of his backpack on campus. Today he and his six-musician band perform nearly 200 shows a year while criss-crossing the nation in a black and chrome tour bus.
Watson ('00) has performed at ACU's Homecoming, made three records with Grammy award-winning producer Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel, sang a duet with Willie Nelson on The Honky Tonk Kid, and has seen his most recent record, San Angelo, appear independently on Billboard’s country music chart.
His records sound right at home in any number of honky tonks across the Southwest, but are laced with messages of hope. "Off the Record" from Shut Up and Dance is a song about a couple at the edge of divorce. He is proud to receive letters and emails of appreciation for his lyrics. "Every week I receive an email about 'Off the Record' saving relationships," says Watson. "It is a song that touches people."
Watson does not settle for the ordinary. "It is difficult in the music business to find musicians who are willing to conform to the rules that I have set forth … no drinking, no partying, no carousing, etc.," he explains. "I have been blessed to find people who not only are what I consider the best band in Texas but also are willing to adhere to the example I have set on the road."
While performing in bars and dance halls, Watson feels he has an opportunity to reach people. He believes his gospel album, Barbed Wire Halo, opens doors to speak to those who might never have attended church. "I meet people on their last leg and it’s great to touch them with a record like this," Watson explains. "Let your light shine in some dark places and be a positive influence."
