In this episode explore the remarkable story of Waco-born Hank Thompson, the “King of Western Swing,” whose talent and determination took him from local radio to national stardom. His signature song, “The Wild Side of Life” embodies his innovative sound with the legendary Brazos Valley Boys.

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Born in Waco in 1937, folk singer Carolyn Hester became a major figure in the 1960s folk revival, recording an influential early version of “The House of the Rising Sun” in 1961 that helped establish her reputation as the “Texas Songbird.”

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Waco History Mixtape: Whacko from Waco by Billie Joe Shaver

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The Crush Collision March by Scott Joplin was a live performance with a twist. It was a backing track of a spectacle of purposely crashing two trains together, all in Waco.

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Ol' Man River was featured in the original stage production Show Boat (1927) by Waco Native Jules Bledsoe, and has been covered multiple times since.

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As the first episode of the Waco History Mixtape, Across the Brazos by Billy Walker, a song previously used on our regular format, was the best choice.

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Join Stephen Sloan and guest host Jim Benninghoff will discuss history and build a playlist of great Waco artists and iconic songs about Waco!

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