Page 19 - Abilene Living

and picked up the guitar. Though disappointed at the time, Watson now says of the experience, “One door closes and another one opens. Sometimes what you think you need and what God thinks you need are two different things.” With his faith in hand, the amateur songwriter began his musical journey. Along the way, he met some pretty instrumental people that helped make his dream a reality.

One such person was a diamond in the rough - a “real gem” at ACU, as Watson describes him. Dan Mitchell taught Watson everything he knows about the guitar, so much so that he enrolled in his class every semester. When told that Mitchell’s class would no longer count towards his hours, the student declared, “I’m not going to use this Biology class; I’m going to use these guitar lessons.”

He began recording his frst album during this time, with some motivation from legendary artist, Larry Gatlin. It was no coincidence that Watson was at The Abilene Coffee Shop the day Gatlin walked through the door in his blue ostrich boots. Gatlin, a familiar voice in the Watson household growing up, was recognized immediately by Aaron. “What are you smiling about boy?” asked the Country and Gospel singer. “Nothing Mr. Gatlin,” replied the young admirer. From that initial meeting, Gatlin and Watson struck up a friendship. As a teacher, Gatlin has advised the young star about topics from songwriting to existing. It was an encounter that Watson would claim to be the pivotal moment, one that “lit a fre.”

Another such person that fell into Watson’s lap was Dr. Neal Lowry, an anesthesiologist at Hendrick Medical Center. Dr. Lowry, a songwriter himself, has been a signifcant component to Watson’s songwriting career. After writing hundreds of songs together, it’s safe to say the two make a great team putting ink to paper.

It’s this dynamic collaboration of individuals that contributes to the success of Aaron Watson. Since his start in 1999, Watson’s team has put out ten records and numerous hits that have reached the top of the country charts. A song that Aaron claims was the frst to strike a nerve was the single, “Off the Record” on his 2002 album “Shut Up