Three legendarycountryartists are teaming up to steal your heart thisValentine’s Day.
PEOPLE is exclusively premiering the performance music video for a collaborative single that country music starsGene Watsonand theBellamy Brothersare releasing ahead of their joint show at theGrand Ole Opry on Feb. 13.
The singer-songwriter, 80, teamed up with the duo featuring brothers David, 73, and Howard Bellamy, 78, to record a new version of their classic love song “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” featuring his twangy croon taking the lead on the vocals.
Howard Bellamy, Gene Watson and David Bellamy.Bellamy Brothers Records inc. and Fourteen Carat Music
Bellamy Brothers Records inc. and Fourteen Carat Music
As the song was originally released in 1990 on the Bellamy Brothers’ 14th studio albumReality Check, the musicians opened up to PEOPLE about their decision to release a new version and team-up with Watson.
David explains, “I wrote the song in the style of real classic country. I wanted it to sound like something that came from the Countrypolitan era, and of course, everlasting love is a favorite subject of every songwriter.”
Working with the “Love in the Hot Afternoon” singer then made sense, given their shared admiration for classicism within the country genre. “Having Gene duet with us on the song was a dream come true,” David shares. “He’s one of the few real classic country singers that understands songs like this.”
Watson himself says he “was flattered” to be tapped for the new rendition, and adds that he appreciates how it feels like “real country music.”
The “Farewell Party” artist explains that the Bellamys “came up with the vintage concept” for the visual.
“We wanted it to look as classic as it sounds,” David explains. “It was great spending the day with Gene and his friends, and Rory even gave us a tour of the whole farm.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
They also both spoke to the drum kit that appears in the video, which dates back to about 1928 and became the single artwork for the track. David says, “Special thanks to our drummer, David Parks, who came up with a set of drums so classic we ended up using their image for the project.”
Next week, the two country icons will take the stage at the Opry to play “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” together — and they couldn’t be more excited.
He continues, “The Bellamys are terrific to work with, so I know it’s going to be a great moment.”
source: people.com
