Real Wild Radio

08/11/2024

Hey Friends, with exponential growth also comes exponential expenses that we can no longer maintain. Unfortunately Real Wild Radio will be going off the air this weekend. Thanks for listening. Stay Real. Stay Wild!

30/10/2024

Don Gibson was a true legend in country music. He wrote some of the genre’s most unforgettable songs and helped shape the sound of modern country. Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Gibson first played with a local band, the Sons of the Soil. In 1949, they released “Automatic Mama,” his first recording.

Gibson’s big break as a songwriter came in 1955 with “Sweet Dreams,” later a hit for stars like Patsy Cline. But in 1957, he penned two career-defining hits, “Oh Lonesome Me” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” both written in one day. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” alone went on to be recorded over 700 times across different genres.

Gibson then teamed up with producer Chet Atkins to record “Oh Lonesome Me” with a fresh new sound—just guitars, piano, drums, bass, and backup singers. It became a #1 hit and helped create the “Nashville Sound.”

Gibson’s career was prolific, with over 80 charting hits and more than 500 songs recorded between 1949 and 1985.

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25/10/2024

Sanger D. “Wh**ey” Shafer, was born in Whitney, TX and wrote some iconic country hits recorded by legends like Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, and George Strait.

Known for his simple yet powerful lyrics, Shafer often captured characters wrestling with regrets and hard truths. His #1 hits include classics like “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” and “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” A standout collaboration with Frizzell, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” topped the charts twice—first for Johnny Rodriguez in 1974 and then for Merle Haggard in 1984.

Growing up in a gospel-singing family, Shafer soaked up the sounds of Bob Wills and Ernest Tubb on the radio in Texas. Inspired by Frizzell’s “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time,” Shafer’s passion for music was strong, but it wasn’t until he was 30 that he wrote his first song.

Shafer’s path to Nashville came after serving in the Army and working various jobs, from raising turkeys to digging ditches. In 1967, he made the move, working as a carpenter while writing songs. He eventually signed with RCA Records and secured a publishing deal with Blue Crest Music before transitioning to Acuff-Rose in the early ’70s. It wasn’t long before George Jones recorded several of his songs, including the Top 20 hit “Tell Me My Lying Eyes Are Wrong” in 1970.

Everything changed when Shafer reached out to his hero, Frizzell, who quickly recorded his song “You, Babe.” The two became close friends and frequent collaborators, resulting in a string of hits. In 1974, Johnny Rodriguez took their co-written “That’s the Way Love Goes” to #1 and they also co-wrote “I Never Go Around Mirrors”together. Shafer’s writing also played a big role in Moe Bandy’s career including “Bandy The Rodeo Clown”, and George Strait scored major hits with “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” and “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.” Shafer’s poignant “I Wonder Do You Think of Me,” recorded by Keith Whitley, hit #1 just weeks after Whitley’s passing in 1989.

Wh**ey Shafer’s songs can still be heard just about everyday on Real Wild Radio. Listen for free at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App in your App Store.

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**eyShafer

24/10/2024

Tommy Duncan: The Voice of Western Swing

Tommy Duncan stands as one of the most important vocalists in Western Swing history. Rising to fame in the 1930s, Duncan was a member of the Light Crust Doughboys before co-founding Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, where his voice became synonymous with the genre. He co-wrote several hits with Wills and recorded nearly 400 songs, remaining an essential part of the band through the early 1960s.

Born near Whitney, Texas, Duncan was one of 14 children in a sharecropping family. Growing up picking cotton, he was influenced by the blues songs sung by his co-workers in the fields. He admired artists like Jimmie Rodgers, Bing Crosby, and Louis Armstrong, and by 13, he left home to sharecrop near Fort Worth. By 1932, Duncan was barely getting by as a street busker when he won an audition to join the Light Crust Doughboys. Under the leadership of Bob Wills, he quickly gained attention with his yodeling and bluesy style.

Duncan and Wills left the Doughboys in 1933 to form Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, eventually moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they became a sensation on KVOO radio. Duncan’s versatile voice allowed him to sing everything from ballads and blues to jazz and cowboy songs, making him the perfect frontman for the Playboys’ diverse sound. He co-wrote classics like “New San Antonio Rose,” which sold three million copies, and “Time Changes Everything.”

When World War II began, Duncan was the first to volunteer for service but was discharged due to medical issues, rejoining the Playboys in 1944. He and Wills parted ways in 1948, leading Duncan to form Tommy Duncan and His Western All Stars. The band had limited success, and Duncan eventually reunited with Wills from 1959 to 1961, recapturing some of their earlier magic.

Duncan’s vocal range and ability to adapt to various styles made him a “hillbilly Bing Crosby” and influenced countless artists, including Elvis Presley, Merle Haggard, and George Strait. He passed away in 1967, but his legacy endures through his recordings and the influence he left on country and Western Swing music.

Tommy Duncan can be heard daily on Real Wild Radio. Listen for free at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App and tune in from anywhere.

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21/10/2024

Roy Nichols was born in Chandler, Arizona, but his family quickly moved to Fresno, California, at age two. His early fascination with music came from watching gypsy bands at his family’s migrant camp and learning guitar from his father, Bruce. By age 11, Nichols was playing with his father’s band, and at 14, he joined Curly Roberts and the Rangers, earning $25 weekly.

At 16, Nichols’ talent caught the attention of Fred Maddox of the Maddox Brothers and Rose, leading to an opportunity that expanded his career. Despite his youth, Nichols’ guitar skills were unmatched, and he quickly became a sought-after musician. However, his rebellious spirit, including sneaking off to gamble in Las Vegas, eventually led to his departure from the group.

Returning to California, Nichols played live on KNGS in Hanford, continuing to hone his craft. By the early 1950s, he caught the eye of country legend Lefty Frizzell, marking a turning point as future collaborator Merle Haggard noticed his extraordinary talent.

Nichols’ career continued to evolve as he joined Cousin Herb Henson’s Trading Post Gang TV show and toured with Johnny Cash. In 1960, he joined Wynn Stewart’s band, where he connected with Haggard. Nichols became the first guitarist of Haggard’s new band, The Strangers, in 1965, cementing a partnership that would last over two decades.

Roy Nichols can be heard everyday on Real Wild Radio. Listen for free at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App.

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18/10/2024

Willie Nelson & Band sounded great last night for Austin City Limits 50th Anniversary! Hopefully will be available to rewatch at some point.

17/10/2024

If you've got the money, I've got the time
We'll go h***y tonkin' and we'll have a time..

15/10/2024

If I want to h***y-tonk around till two or three
Now, brother that's my headache, don't you worry 'bout me…

14/10/2024

We launched the Real Wild Radio Artist Spotlight today. Available on all major podcast platforms! The first two episodes are published. Be sure and subscribe. Tomorrow our Artist Spotlight is Loretta Lynn.

Performing Arts Podcast · 1 Seasons · Updated Daily

14/10/2024

Hank Williams and Anita Carter singing I Can’t Help It (If I’m still In Love With You):

A very nervous and shy Anita Carter sang with Hank Williams on 23rd April 1952 On The Kate Smith Evening Hour on NBC, he wanted her but mother Maybelle put a...

14/10/2024

We’re celebrating Hank Williams & The Drifting Cowboys all day today (Monday Oct. 14) - join us by tuning in at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App.

14/10/2024

Featured Album of the Day for Monday, October 14, 2024: Hank Williams’ 40 Greatest Hits.

Listen at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App. Simply visit your App Store, search for Real Wild Radio, download and tune in.

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Stay Real. Stay Wild!

12/10/2024

Have a great weekend friends!

11/10/2024

We listened to these two albums uninterrupted today. Great records for a Friday afternoon!

11/10/2024

The Broken Spoke in Austin, TX was established by James & Annetta White in 1964 and
will be celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout November. Dale Watson will be performing November 2nd and again on the 30th. November 9th will be the official Birthday Dance with Alvin Crow, Monte Warden & Guests. The H***y Tonk Wranglers will be there November 15th, along with a lot of great music all month long. For more information visit: https://www.brokenspokeaustintx.net

The next time you’re in Austin, TX go visit The Broken Spoke. A true Texas treasure.

Have a great weekend friends.

Thanks for listening.

Stay Real. Stay Wild!

10/10/2024

Country music legend Gene Watson is celebrating his 81st birthday October 11th! He’s also celebrating the 50th anniversary of his career-defining hit, “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” with a national tour in 2025.

The single, which launched his major label journey with Capitol Records, soared to No. 3 on Billboard and was the No. 4 song of the year in 1975.

See Watson’s current list of tour dates and purchase tickets at GeneWatsonMusic.com

In 2024, Watson and the Bellamy Brothers joined together for a “sublimely country (MusicRow)” cover of the duo’s “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” which was released on Feb. 9 via Select-O-Hits.

People.com exclusively debuted the music video for “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” where “the musicians perform the moving, nostalgic-sounding ballad together — with Watson’s twangy croon taking the lead on the vocals, Bellamy Brothers on guitar, the addition of two more guitarists, keys, percussion and two backing vocalists.” Shot just south of Nashville at Rory Feek’s Homestead Hall, the location and concept spotlights the simple and classic nature of the song, written by David Bellamy.

The Texas native’s most recent album Outside the Box, was released in Sept. 2022. The album ranked number four by Country Music People magazine’s editor on the Critics Choice list of 2022, stating Watson is, “As good as ever.” Outside the Box featured 12 tracks of Watson’s signature vocals with newly recorded songs as well as re-imagined hits across multiple genres, from Willie Nelson to Etta James.

Watson’s first single “If It’s That Easy” was released to radio in 1962 via Sun Valley Records. Since then, he has charted 75 titles including 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and five No. 1 gospel records. “The Singer’s Singer” continues to perform to sold-out crowds, singing in the same key as he did more than five decades ago and thrilling fans with his famous octave jumping ending to “Farewell Party” night after night.

GENE WATSON 2024 ALL THE HITS & MORE TOUR DATES:
Oct. 11 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 12 Kentucky Opry – Benton, Ky.
Oct. 19 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Oct. 20 Lincoln Theater – Marion, Va.
Oct. 26 Municipal Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Nov. 2 The Oaks Event Center – Vidor, Texas
Nov. 9 Mansion Theater – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 14 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 15 Social Circle Theatre – Social Circle, Ga.
Nov. 16 Newberry Opera House – Newberry, S.C.
Nov. 17 Tuck’s Bar & Grill – Minor Hill, Tenn.
Nov. 23 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 13 The Texas Theater – Waxahachie, Texas
Dec. 14 La Salle Steakhouse & Bar – Cotulla, TX
Dec. 20 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 21 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 22 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas

GENE WATSON 2025 ‘LOVE IN THE HOT AFTERNOON’ TOUR DATES:
Jan. 17 GEM Theatre – Calhoun, Ga.
Jan. 20 Key West, Fla. – PRIVATE
Jan. 31 Walhalla Civic Auditorium – Walhalla, S.C.
Feb. 7 Winstar Casino – Thackerville, Okla.
Feb. 26 Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, Texas
Feb. 28 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
Mar. 1 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Mar. 2 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Mar.14 Heart of Texas Music Festival – Brady, TX
Mar. 22 Mayborn Auditorium – Temple, Texas
April 10 Bluegate PAC – Shipshewana, Ind.
April 11 Niswonger PAC – Greenville, Tenn.
May 2 Little Roy & Lizzy Festival – Lincolnton, Ga.
May 31 Old Town Theater – Huntsville, Texas
June 13 City Hall Performance Center – Marshall, Texas
June 14 Reno Bound Reunion – Bonham, Texas
July 12 The Pines Theater – Lufkin, Texas
July 18 Historic State Theater – Elizabethtown, Ky.
July 19 Jackson Live & Event Center – Seymour, Ind.
Aug. 9 Liberty Hall – Tyler, Texas
Aug. 15 Hippodrome Theatre – Waco, Texas
Aug. 21 Georgia Mountain Fair – Hiawassee, Ga.
Aug. 22 Reidsville Showcase Theatre – Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 23 Liberty Showcase Theatre – Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 6 Paramount Theatre – Abilene, Texas
Sept. 13 11th Street Cowboy Bar – Bandera, Texas
Oct. 10 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 11 Municiple Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Oct. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 8 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.

For more information visit GeneWatsonMusic.com

Gene Watson can be heard everyday on Real Wild Radio. Listen from anywhere at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App. Simply visit your App Store, search for Real Wild Radio, download and tune in.

Thanks for listening.

Stay Real. Stay Wild!

09/10/2024

Eddy Arnold's roots run deep in the rich soil of Chester County, Tennessee. Born Richard Edward Arnold on May 15, 1918, into a farming family, Arnold’s early life was defined by both the rhythms of rural life and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. These formative years on the family farm earned him the nickname that would follow him into stardom—the “Tennessee Plowboy.”

Music, though, was never far from Arnold’s mind. His first guitar—a Sears & Roebuck Silvertone—was a gift from a cousin. Arnold’s mother taught him to strum his first chords. But he wasn’t just playing for his own amusement. From the wind-up Victrola in the family home, young Arnold absorbed the sounds of Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, and Jimmie Rodgers, all of whom would shape his future style.

Even as a boy, Arnold’s voice found its way into the hearts of those around him. He sang at school, at church, and in any quiet corner he could find, discovering a talent that would eventually carry him far beyond Chester County. “I discovered I could speak to people through songs in a way I never could by just talking,” Arnold reflected later in life.

Life took a hard turn when Arnold’s father passed away when Eddy was just eleven years old. With their farm lost to creditors, the Arnolds were forced into sharecropping, a grueling existence that millions of Americans understood all too well during the Great Depression. The young Arnold did what he could to ease his family’s financial burden, performing at local barbecues and socials for $1 a night. Those early performances not only put food on the table but ignited a fire within him—a desire to pursue music as more than just a means of survival.

By the age of seventeen, Arnold was on his way. He worked radio gigs and performed in beer joints around Jackson, Tennessee, while still making a living as an undertaker’s driver. From there, his path would take him to Memphis and eventually into the national spotlight. But Arnold never forgot his roots in Chester County—the lessons of hard work, humility, and the power of a simple song. These would remain the foundation of his music career, even as he rose to international stardom.

Eddy Arnold can still be heard everyday on Real Wild Radio. Listen for free at RealWildRadio.com or by downloading our Free App. Simply visit your App Store, search for Real Wild Radio, download and tune in.

Thanks for listening.

Stay Real. Stay Wild!