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
More Concert Dates Being Added To Big Spring, Summer, & Early Fall Schedule
Some new shows featuring big names have confirmed tour stops near East Texas since we first published our concert calendar a few weeks ago. Former One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles will take the new Irving Music Center stage in October, while X Ambassadors will perform at a different Dallas-area venue on May 19th.
It’s An Epidemic- Another Texas Teacher Busted For Sex With Students
Another week, another story about Lone Star State teachers being arrested for alleged sexual encounters with students. This time it happened in Lufkin, & includes allegations of "tag-team action"!
NFL Draft: East Texan Patrick Mahomes Is KC Chiefs’ 1st Round Pick
Former Texas Tech & Whitehouse Wildcats star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was selected with the 10th overall pick in tonight's National Football League Draft by Kansas City.
Limited-Time Sandwich Proves Why Lola’s is One Of Texas’ Best Sandwich Joints
Last month when we first discovered Lola's Handcrafted Sandwiches, I freely admitted leisure time plans in my house start with, "where we gonna eat"? Lola's had just been named one of the dozen best sandwich joints in Texas, the only place in this region to make that list. Now, their mission is to show all of us why they earned that distinction, & there's a special new creation con
Dallas Hail Storm Did Massive Damage Over the Weekend
Along with pouring rain & high winds, North Texas got hammered with hail!
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.
“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.
Big Spring & Summer Lineups for Music Lovers Near East Texas- Make Your Plans Now!
I took a glance at the upcoming schedules for venues within a couple hours drive of East Texas. Wow - what a selection of great shows already booked!
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.
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.