Advertise on podcast: Waco History Podcast

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Waco History Mixtape: Whacko from Waco by Billie Joe Shaver See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Stephen Sloan and guest host Jim Benninghoff will discuss history and build a playlist of great Waco artists and iconic songs about Waco! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Stephen Sloan and Rick Tullis as they cap off the year's journey of covering 175 years of Waco history with a final live show! Location at Vitek's BBQ March 19th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-waco-history-podcast-live-show-at-viteks-bbq-celebrating-175-years-tickets-1982219123759 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between 2000 and 2025, Waco underwent steady transformation driven by demographic growth, shifting economic patterns, and evolving civic priorities. The city moved beyond late-20th-century challenges and reemerged as a regional center for education, health care, and culture. Expanding institutions and rising population anchored public life as Waco’s identity matured, marking a new chapter in its modern history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between 2000 and 2025, Waco underwent steady transformation driven by demographic growth, shifting economic patterns, and evolving civic priorities. The city moved beyond late-20th-century challenges and reemerged as a regional center for education, health care, and culture. Expanding institutions and rising population anchored public life as Waco’s identity matured, marking a new chapter in its modern history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between 2000 and 2025, Waco underwent steady transformation driven by demographic growth, shifting economic patterns, and evolving civic priorities. The city moved beyond late-20th-century challenges and reemerged as a regional center for education, health care, and culture. Expanding institutions and rising population anchored public life as Waco’s identity matured, marking a new chapter in its modern history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between 2000 and 2025, Waco underwent steady transformation driven by demographic growth, shifting economic patterns, and evolving civic priorities. The city moved beyond late-20th-century challenges and reemerged as a regional center for education, health care, and culture. Expanding institutions and rising population anchored public life as Waco’s identity matured, marking a new chapter in its modern history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Between 2000 and 2025, Waco underwent steady transformation driven by demographic growth, shifting economic patterns, and evolving civic priorities. The city moved beyond late-20th-century challenges and reemerged as a regional center for education, health care, and culture. Expanding institutions and rising population anchored public life as Waco’s identity matured, marking a new chapter in its modern history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From 1975 to 2000, Waco, Texas, faced a period of economic and social adjustment. Traditional industries declined, and the city grappled with the effects of suburbanization and uneven development. Efforts at downtown and riverfront renewal met with mixed success, reflecting broader struggles to redefine the community’s identity and economic base. By the end of the century, Waco remained a city in transition—marked by persistence and gradual change rather than rapid transformation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.