Dale Watson

Dale Watson

Dale Watson is an American country singer, guitarist and songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama, born in 1962. He is based in Austin, Texas, and is associated with alternative country, outlaw country, honky tonk and country. He also champions the term “Ameripolitan” for music with strong roots influences.

Style and reputation

Watson presents himself as an independent outsider and records in a traditional country style. He has a tattooed image and is known for a stubbornly independent approach. Although his record sales are described as slow, he develops a strong following among critics and alt-country listeners.

Career and performances

After a hiatus from music in 2004, Watson moves to Baltimore, Maryland to be closer to his daughters, then returns to Austin in July 2006 and resumes regular performances there. His Austin schedule includes Sunday nights at Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon and a Monday-night residency at The Continental Club. He also performs regularly at the Grand Ole Opry and tours Europe annually, where he has a growing fan base.

Awards and recognition

Watson wins the British Country Music Awards prize for Best International Artist on an Independent Label. He also receives country music awards in the Netherlands and Spain.

Film and documentary appearances

He appears in the Zalman King documentary Crazy Again, which follows the impact of his girlfriend Terri Herbert’s death in a fatal car accident in September 2000. He is also the subject of the 2007 biopic Austin Angel.

Associated acts

Watson performs with Dale Watson & Ray Benson and with Dale Watson and His Lone Stars.