from Amarillo Globe-News on amarillo.com

One of the more obvious characteristics of Texas country artist Aaron Watson is his gratitude for his fans.

"To the fans: This record's for you," reads the dedication on his 2009 album, "Deep in the Heart of Texas: Aaron Watson Live." "Thanks for putting diesel in the bus and diapers on my babies!"

"I always make the joke to assure people that their hard-earned dollar is not going to some bigwig in Nashville, Tenn.," said the Amarillo native.

"Every dollar they spend on me goes straight into my wife's purse."

Watson, now based in Abilene, will return to his hometown tonight for a show at Midnight Rodeo, 4400 S. Georgia St.

The performance is part of Watson's album release tour for his latest project, "Road and the Rodeo."

The album was supposed to be released in January but was delayed until earlier this month due to the birth of his baby girl.

So far, "Road and the Rodeo" has produced two hit singles for the Honky Tonk Kid, including "The Road," which hit No. 1 on the Texas Music chart, and "Walls," currently in the top five.

Among hits he's expected to perform tonight are "San Angelo," "Roller Coaster Ride" and "Shut Up and Dance."

"Road and the Rodeo" is Watson's 10th album and the fifth

(read full story on amarillo.com)