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Nearly Unrecognizable 70’s Country Legend, 81, Stuns Fans With \u2018Farewell Party\u2019 Performance: ‘That\u2019s Real Country Music’<\/a> originally appeared on Parade<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n There are some artists who are your favorite singer’s favorite singer, and for most beloved country performers, Gene Watson<\/strong>, 81, is theirs. Watson’s historical 60 year career includes countless hits and an impeachable position in country music history as one of the best ballad performers out there.<\/p>\n On his website, Watson stated that singing was as natural to him <\/a>as breathing.<\/p>\n “\u201cI can remember singing before I can remember talking,\u201d he said. \u201cEven when I was a kid, if I heard a song twice, I knew it. But I never planned to be an entertainer. I knew I could sing, but that wasn\u2019t out of the ordinary. My whole family could.\u201d<\/p>\n And at 81-years-old, Watson is still bringing his top vocal game to devoted crowds.<\/p>\n Fans were utterly besotted to hear his voice and how well it has aged along with him.<\/p>\n “Such such a Legend! I will never tire of hearing him sing, such a voice,” said one taken fan.<\/p>\n “Long past worthy of the Country Music Hall of Fame,” stated another fan.<\/p>\n “Does not need auto tune! Gene is the real deal, and puts on a great show,” added another.<\/p>\n Related: \u201890s Country Legend, 61, Spills the Tea on Country Singer Superlatives and \u2018We Are Sat\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Many fans also made the comment that this is what “real” country music sounds like, and it is something not lost on Watson.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been on top. And I\u2019ve been just as low as you can go,” he said in a statement. “There\u2019s a tremendous number of people around the world who continue to come out to hear some fiddle and steel and songs about heartbreak and real life. I think there is still such a hunger out there for traditional country music. So I\u2019d like to stay out there as long as I\u2019m able to do the job and do it well.”<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfacSIGN UP for Parade\u2019s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox<\/strong><\/a>\ud83c\udfac<\/p>\n