Rockwall, TX (November 21, 2023) – Unapologetically Texan is how Will Rigdon describes his online radio station, True Texas Radio. “A lot of people who are not from Texas can be shocked by our culture,” says Wil. “But I would not trade Texas for anything.” Wil’s persona fits the station motto.
What does Unapologetically Texan radio sound like? True Texas Country features a long list of Texas artists including his own band, Sons of Bocephus, a Hank Jr Tribute Band.
More than music, True Texas Radio features a morning show hosted by Wil. Focusing on the larger Fate, Texas area where his family now resides, the online station includes local traffic and weather reports, as well as musician interviews, comedy segments, Texas Farm Bureau market updates, and more.
How he got here has much to do with how life unfolds.
Originally pursuing an IT career, Wil’s radio career began at 99.9 KMOO in Mineola, TX in 2014; just a few years later venturing to sports broadcasting as a producer and highlight coordinator at 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. However, his love of Texas country music did not fade out; instead, later in 2016 True Texas Radio was born of that passion that wouldn’t die.
From 2016-2018, Wil put all his energy into growing True Texas Radio from his studio in Downtown Forney, adding high school sports coverage for Forney ISD and Crandall ISD as well as professional sports including the Dallas Marshalls indoor football, Lone Star Brahmas hockey, and the legendary Devils Bowl Speedway.
Quickly, True Texas Radio found a following being nominated for multiple awards as Streaming Station of the Year by Texas Regional Radio Music Awards, Texas Country Music Awards and East Texas Music Awards. Wil even won Texas Regional Radio Music Awards Small Market Personality of the Year in 2016 and 2017! To this day, Wil continues to be nominated for on-air hosting awards.
Even with the early success, life intervened unexpectedly.
Due to family needs, Wil returned to a full-time IT career in 2019 and while True Texas Radio remained online, it took a bit of a backseat.
A few years later life intervened again.
On a summer afternoon in June 2023, Wil suddenly fell ill. Nearly collapsing upon returning home from running errands, he went to sleep only to awaken at 1 a.m. feeling worse. Although his wife Katy wanted to call 911, Wil insisted on going back to bed. A few hours later, with Wil unable to move and speaking gibberish, Katy immediately called 911. Wil did, in fact, suffer a stroke, spending weeks in the hospital and inpatient rehab and still experiences left-sided numbness and the occasional “bad day”.
After that life-changing experience, Wil knew with certainty the direction he needed to go. With Katy and daughters, Sunny and Rainy, by his side, he turned again to his work at True Texas Radio, even as rehab continued.
With past success and Wil’s drive, the future of True Texas Radio looks great as Wil’s dreams fall into place! Soon, True Texas Radio plans to add podcasts, local interviews, and a growing emphasis on community news and events. With his prior sports experience, he wants to add high school sports coverage with a personal touch as well.
And Sons of Bocephus? They continue to perform with rousing success! This year, Wil with his traditionally smooth, strong voice was nominated Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year by the Josie Award. The band was nominated Tribute Band of the Year, and their single “Forgotten Man” nominated for Impact Song of Year and Video of the Year.
While his life could have ended that summer day, Wil appreciates the direction in which it steered him, unapologetically so.
Listen to True Texas Radio on the web at truetexasradio.com or via iTunes or android app. Watch live on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.
By Melanie Mayfield, Blue Ribbon News.
Fate radio station finding new life in the midst of the unexpected added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →