I grew up on the east coast, but have lived in Texas for over 20 years - two different times in Dallas-Fort Worth, a long stretch in Austin, & now here in Tyler-Longview. I married a U.T. Longhorn Nurse & we have 3 daughters who are on their own now but all still live & work in Texas. One followed her mother to the Texas School of Nursing, another’s a grad student in Accounting after going to Texas A&M, & the third went to Texas Tech & is now an Elementary School Teacher. The radio business is the only career I’ve ever had since college. It’s given me the chance to see the country & experience events that most can only imagine. For instance, I’ve had the opportunity to sit down for dinner with music industry stars from all genres: Don Henley, Little Steven Van Zandt, James Taylor, Diana Ross- even Britney Spears! When people ask about my job, I always say it sure beats workin’ for a living! Here are some of my personal “top 3s”: Musicians: The Beatles, Steely Dan, The Eagles Songs: Layla, Stairway To Heaven, What A Fool Believes Concerts: Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John Movies: The Godfather (all 3), Star Wars (all 8), Dirty Harry (all 5) TV Shows: The Sopranos, 24, Hawaii 5-0 And just for laughs, here 3 things about my life that aren’t common knowledge: 1. We lived at the Jersey Shore during summers when I was a kid, so learning to surf was a must. I started when I was 10 & did it almost year round until I turned 20 & began my radio broadcasting career. 2. Thanks to a scholarship, I played small college football for DePauw University in Greencastle Indiana (offensive lineman & placekicker). John Mellencamp’s long-time guitarist Mike Wanchic was a defensive back on that Tigers team in my freshman year. 3. While working in Dallas radio from 1986-89, I also did television commentary & ring announcing for World Class Championship Wrestling. Kerry Von Erich & Freebird Michael Hayes knew me from doing promotions with 97.1 KEGL, & that Eagle connection opened the pro wrestling door for me.
John Roberts
ZZ Top Named Most Famous Texas Band Of All Time!
Business Insider recently published an article identifying the biggest bands in history from every state in the USA. That "Lil' Ol' Texas Trio" took top honors for the Lone Star State.
See The Scorpions & Megadeth In Concert- Win Free Tickets
You've heard us talk about the great lineup of shows coming through our region over the next several months. It's one big time time concert after another & we've got free tickets to lots of 'em! The next event with seats up for grabs is The Scorpions at the Irving Music Factory.
Texan Who Survived Boston Marathon Bombings Uses Personal Struggles To Inspire Others
Four years ago this past Saturday April 15th, Rebekah Gregory was standing with her young son near the finish line of Beantown's annual Patriot's Day event. She'd traveled from her Houston home to support a friend who was participating in the run through the streets. Then the terrorists' bombs exploded, changing her life forever.
Carnival at Broadway Square Mall is Open for Business in April
Hurry, hurry, hurry, & step right up for plenty of local fun!
“Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi” Official Teaser Trailer Came Out Today
For all of us unabashed Star Wars freaks, the official teaser trailer for the next installment in the series was released early Friday.
Spring & Summer Lineups For Classic Rock Fans Near East Texas – Make Your Plans Now!
I took a look at the upcoming schedules for venues within a couple hours drive of East Texas. Wow - what a selection of great shows already booked, which could make your summer one to remember!
More Texas Teachers Busted For Inappropriate Student Relationships This Week
The stories are coming out on a seemingly regular basis: coaches & teachers being arrested for having sexual relationships with kids at their schools.
Rock Hall Of Famers: Two New Tours, No Texas Dates?
No Texas dates on schedules for either Anderson-Rabin-Howe's Yes or Buckingham/McVie.
On the Border Mexican Grill in Tyler Has a Secret Menu You Don’t Know About
When I first moved to Texas in the mid-80s, it didn't take long to become a fan of all things Tex-Mex.
Texas State Senate Comes To Bi-Partisan Consensus: Chuck Norris Named Honorary Texan!
In the middle of working on somewhat controversial items like imposing a sales tax on e-commerce & allowing EMS first responders to carry guns on calls, the Texas State Senate recently came to a bi-partisan consensus: Chuck Norris should be officially declared an honorary Texan!
NFL Vet With ETX Roots to Officially Retire Next Week
With all the attention on former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo's retirement announcement, it was easy to overlook the news of another long-time football pro deciding to call it a career. Longview's own Josh Scobee spent 12 seasons as a kicker in the NFL, 11 with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Great Breakfast Taco Debate: Who Makes Your Fave?
So what do you think? Where do you go when you've just gotta have a great breakfast taco to satisfy that craving?