Gene Watson And 40 Years Of “Farewell Party”

Ultimately, “Farewell Party” became the second single from Watson’s 1978 album “Reflections.” The single was released on February 17th, 1979, and peaked at the No. 5 spot. Over the years, “Farewell Party” became Watson’s signature tune and, to this day, his most requested song in concert.“The funny thing is it never went No. 1,” Watson notes with a grin. “But it has sustained. I did it recently at the Opry and it got a standing ovation.

I wish I had a few more like that,” he adds, laughing. “It was a pretty difficult song to sing, It was risky but I really felt that song. I know I would have recorded it sooner or later. It’s amazing to think that a song could last all those years.”