Watkins share his love of music

Making music has always been a part of Clyde Watkins' life. The 61-year-old picker has been playing music on his own since age eight and as part of a band from the time he was 11 years old. He learned to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass, showing not only his love for music, but an outstanding natural ability, as well.

"I started out real young," Watkins said. "It was something I enjoyed doing, so I took right to it."

Watkins honed his skills through playing a variety of musical styles. He learned gospel melodies while playing at church, then found a country flair while playing with friends and family. He even played in a few rock and roll bands in his "younger days."

Since moving to Rector two years ago, Watkins has primarily been playing what he calls "bluegrass gospel," a traditional blending of the two styles which has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

Over the last few years, Watkins has played at many different events with the Lighthouse Gospel Singers group from Quitman, Miss. The group made a name for themselves by playing at some of the different bluegrass festivals held throughout the south and mid-south. Last summer, they took part in a festival held by the legendary Sullivan Family. Their performance was so strong that the Lighthouse Gospel Singers were invited to perform at a special Sullivan Family 60th Anniversary event at the Ernest Tubbs Troubadour Theater in Nashville earlier this month.

Watkins said the opportunity to play for a celebration of one of the most respected groups in the genre was a special treat.

"I felt honored they'd want us to play for them," Watkins said. "It was something I'll never forget. To stand on that stage, where there'd been so many of the greats, it gave me goosebumps."

At the event, Watkins had the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of Tommy Atwood, a former member of The Florida Boys, as well as Wayne Lewis, known for his appearances on the RFD television program, "Cumberland Highlanders."

"I was as nervous as a housecat," Watkins said. "There were a lot of well-known people there. I felt like I was the least among them."

Next summer, Watkins and the Lighthouse Gospel Singers will be performing at the Bill Monroe Memorial event held in Bean Blossom, Ind.

Watkins also has garnered a number of fans in the Rector area. He and wife, Sandra, regularly visit nursing homes and senior centers throughout the area, taking their musical talents to grateful audiences.

"It's just a good deal for everybody," Watkins said of their visits. "We like to play and they enjoy hearing our music."

In fact, Watkins has plans to create a monthly show at the Rector Community Center. He wants to bring in additional performers for the shows, with donations accepted in lieu of a cover charge. Watkins said the bulk of the funds collected by these shows will be donated back to the community.

"We don't want anything for ourselves. We just want to help the community."