C.J. Watson

Born on March 11, 1965 Departed on July 30, 2018 and resided in Nashville, TN Visitation: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematorySaturday August 11, 2018 11:00am to 1:00pmMemorial Service: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematorySaturday August 11, 2018 1:00pm

CJ Watson Age- 53 passed away on July 30, 2018 in Nashville, TN.

CJ is survived by his fiancé, Kristen Orr; parents, Frank Watson (Barb), Sherry Smith Butcher (Danny); brother, Aaron Butcher (Amanda); adopted father, Dave Morthland (Angie), Kristen's family (who deeply adored and loved him beyond measure), the young artists that he mentored (Genesis Green, Mindy Braasch, & Nancy Prescott) who became like daughters to him, and many co-writers and friends that he deeply treasured and loved to cook for.

CJ was a Kerrville Award Winning Songwriter who worked with great artists, such as Gretchen Wilson, James Otto, and Lisa Shaffer, to name a few. In 2016 he won "Best Original Song" for VooDoo (co-written with Bruce Michael Miller) at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards. This song also earned CJ a "Best Original Song" Oscar nomination. CJ had songs featured in the "Rockband" video game and authored the bestselling "Everything Songwriting Book." He was a fixture at the renowned Frank Brown Songwriting Festival for many years, where he hosted industry panels, educational workshops and provided music education opportunities to rising young music students. CJ played at the Bluebird Café for over 25 years and was loved by all in attendance. CJ Watson was a singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, coach, mentor, and so much more. His passing has left a void in his music family, but his music and contributions will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at West Harpeth Funeral Home.
Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at West Harpeth Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation in honor of CJ Watson to MusiCares, 1904 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37323.