Wondering how the radio industry has transformed over the decades? We promise you'll gain a deep understanding of radio's evolution from the FM radio boom to the influence of the FCC mandating FM radios in cars. Join us, Houston and Hogan, as we share our firsthand experiences transitioning from disc jockeys to managers, navigating the seismic shifts that have defined radio broadcasting. From the explosive growth of FM stations that changed the game for AM radio, to the personal milestones and c...
Aug 25, 2024•33 min
Ever wondered why Tennessee was once called the Hog and Hominy State? Explore this quirky chapter of history with us as we journey down the Buncombe Turnpike and uncover the tales of drovers and livestock. In this captivating episode of Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan, our esteemed guest, Ken Maness, shares colorful anecdotes from his early days in radio, starting with a humble setup in his basement. Plus, we'll shine a spotlight on the trailblazers of commercial radio, like KDKA in Pittsburgh, a...
Aug 11, 2024•21 min
Ever wondered how the Oak Ridge Boys got their name, or how their legacy intertwines with the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the Manhattan Project? Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the lives and careers of these country music legends. We share heartfelt memories and personal interactions, while also reflecting on the recent losses of Joe Bonsall, Dwayne Allen's wife, and William Lee Golden's son. Dave shares his eye-opening tour of Oak Ridge, offering a goldmine of history fo...
Jul 28, 2024•29 min
How did Paul Harvey become a household name with his unforgettable storytelling and iconic sign-off, "Good day"? Join us as we journey through the golden age of radio, sharing humorous and heartwarming anecdotes about this legendary broadcaster. We recount a funny incident involving the accidental cutting off of one of his "The Rest of the Story" segments and dive into the untold efforts behind his incredible work. We also reflect on the recent hardships faced by the Oak Ridge Boys, including Jo...
Jul 14, 2024•27 min
What if you could blend the magic of Dollywood with the timeless charm of Southern Gospel music? Join us on "Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan" as we sit down with Arthur Rice, the legendary lead singer of the Kingdom Heirs, who has wowed audiences at Dollywood for over 27 years. Arthur takes us on a nostalgic journey through his remarkable career, from performing at the Valley Theater to the grand Show Street Palace. Hear about the electrifying moments of drawing park visitors into their performan...
Jun 30, 2024•25 min
Can you imagine a time when the radio was the lifeline for weather updates and church announcements? Join us on a nostalgic journey through the history of gospel music with our special guest, Arthur Rice. Raised in Weaverville, Buncombe County, Arthur recalls the powerful influence of radio stations like WWNC and WSKY on his childhood, filling his home with hymns and country music. Arthur's story unfolds from his early days with the Rice family group to his celebrated career with legendary quart...
Jun 16, 2024•21 min
What happens when you blend nostalgia with the evolving world of community radio? Join us on this episode of Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan as we embark on a heartfelt journey through the past and present of small-town broadcasting with our esteemed guest, Chuck Rice. Together, we reminisce about our early days in radio, sharing cherished memories and amusing anecdotes from the legendary Hogan Holler. Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge, discussing how the internet has transformed the media lands...
Jun 02, 2024•25 min
As the comforting crackle of a well-tuned radio takes us back to the days of storytelling at its finest, we're joined by Chuck Rice—a media veteran whose voice has colored the airwaves with stories of local charm and political intrigue. Together on Hot Mic, we reminisce about Chuck's climb from the modest beginnings at local stations like WMMH and WSKY to the pulsing political beat of WPTF in Raleigh. His tales, brimming with the humanity and wit that only live radio can capture, invite you to e...
May 19, 2024•31 min
Discover the soul-stirring history and future of bluegrass music as we sit down with the remarkable Tammy Rogers King of The SteelDrivers. You're in for an auditory feast that intertwines the traditional melodies of Bill Monroe with the genre's modern-day mosaics, all through the lens of Tammy's rich musical narrative. She recounts her vibrant history of touring with country music luminaries, revealing how the high notes and harmonies of life on the road have woven into her artistic fabric. We a...
May 05, 2024•19 min
When family stories and musical chords intertwine, the result is a legacy as rich as the one Tammy Rogers King brings from her East Tennessee roots. Our special guest, a founding member of the celebrated bluegrass ensemble The SteelDrivers, takes us on a melodic journey through her life, sharing how her upbringing and family band experiences shaped her artistry. We thread together the influences of her childhood, her family’s musical migration to Texas, and the vibrant return to Tennessee that u...
Apr 21, 2024•26 min
Travel back in time with us to the heart-wrenching era of World War II, where music wasn't just entertainment—it was a vital connection to home for soldiers and their families. As we wander through the poignant world of wartime tunes, we'll share how Tex Ritter's "There's a Gold Star in Her Window" and Ernest Tubb's "Soldier's Last Letter" captured the profound sorrow of loss. Our narrative also reveals the roles of Axis Sally and Tokyo Rose, whose broadcasts, filled with music and propaganda, a...
Apr 07, 2024•23 min
As the needle drops on a classic vinyl, the memories of my father sharing his World War II stories come flooding back, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration into how country music provided a soundtrack to an era of tremendous upheaval and unity. In our latest episode, we don't just recount tales; we bring you face-to-face with the songs that echoed through the barracks and battlefields, where the strains of "There's a Star-Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere" mixed with the hopes and fears ...
Mar 24, 2024•25 min
Join us on a heart-tugging trip back in time as we explore the undying charm of country classics and the heyday of radio shenanigans. Ever wondered why some tunes, like John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," seem to defy the decades, enchanting everyone from nostalgic seniors to spirited teens? We've got stories that'll paint a picture of the magic these songs carry, including how "Sweet Caroline" became an anthem across generations at my granddaughter's wedding. And for those of you curio...
Mar 10, 2024•32 min
As the radio waves of yesteryear crackled with fresh energy, imagine the thrill of the first-ever real estate promotion breaking through the static. That's the world we step back into, with tales spun from a life dedicated to the symbiotic dance between broadcasting and advertising. With the warmth of a seasoned host, I recount how early ads on stations like WEAF not only turned the dial up on sales but also cemented long-standing partnerships that would one day fill a room at my own retirement ...
Feb 25, 2024•32 min
Embark on a heartfelt journey through the decades as we pay homage to the Oak Ridge Boys and their incredible five-decade legacy. Feel the bittersweet emotion as we discuss Joe Bonsall's retirement due to health challenges and explore how Ben James' arrival as the new tenor heralds a fresh chapter for the beloved quartet. Witness the resilience of a band that has navigated transitions and triumphs, from William Lee Golden's iconic departure and return to the timeless sound of their country music...
Feb 11, 2024•26 min
Remember the thrill of hearing "Turn Out the Lights" for the first time? That moment sparked a lifelong love for Willie Nelson's music for many, including myself. On today's show, we pay homage to the legend himself, exploring his journey from the whiskey-soaked strings to the pungent aroma of marijuana that he claims saved his life. Alongside tales from his book "Me and Sister Bobbie," we shed light on Nelson's prolific songwriting—a tapestry of over 2,500 songs penned from the heart without th...
Jan 28, 2024•23 min
Discover the untold melodious tales of Willie Nelson in our latest auditory journey, as we unearth his roots from behind the radio microphone to the iconic "Red Headed Stranger" album. We'll explore the narrative genius of this barebones masterpiece, how it shattered industry norms, and the way Willie's soulful rendition of "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" captivated an audience reaching far beyond country music's borders. From his songwriting trenches in Nashville comes the story behind "Hello Wa...
Jan 14, 2024•24 min
As the clock ticks towards a new year, we've got an episode that mirrors the bittersweet symphony of life, celebrating triumphs and facing challenges head-on. Willie Nelson's musings on his town named Luck set the stage for an eclectic mix of reflections, from the cross-generational success of Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to the raw realities of addiction in the music industry. We're not shying away from the tough stuff here—Blake Shelton's New Year's resolution to curb his a...
Dec 31, 2023•24 min
Ever wondered about the mystifying tales of Lake Wobegon and the captivating appeal of Garrison Keillor? Or perhaps you're intrigued by the life and legacy of Hank Williams, famously known as the "hillbilly Shakespeare"? Then buckle up, folks! This episode of Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan takes you on a fascinating journey through the art of storytelling, the charm of country music, and the power of personal narratives that have shaped our culture and society. We delve into the mesmerizing worl...
Dec 17, 2023•32 min
Brace yourself for an episode that unlocks the door to the world of a lesser-known yet pivotal figure in the country and gospel music scene, Marijohn Wilkin. Prepare your hearts as Co-host Dave Hogan brings you face to face with his personal encounter with Wilkin at a DJ convention. This remarkable woman, fondly referred to as the "Den Mother of Music Row," left an indelible mark on him, and we're convinced her life story will have a similar impact on you too. We'll also dive into a thought-prov...
Dec 03, 2023•26 min
Dave's been to the movies! He got a big box of popcorn and got totally absorbed in Killers of the Flower Moon. He says it's one of only two movies that he wants to see twice and one of the many reasons is the movie soundtrack. It features historic country music and Dave brings some of that music back to Asheville, North Carolina. I invite you to sit back and listen in as I did. Oh, I definitely plan on seeing the movie myself.
Nov 19, 2023•22 min
Dave and Randy welcome a longtime friend and fellow Mountain Man Richard Hurley to the Hot Mic. We’ve both played a lot of Richard’s music on the radio over the years and in today’s follow up episode we chat with Richard about our beloved mountains and how he has written songs about his experience of growing up here, surrounded by the rich culture of music we all live with here. We also
Nov 05, 2023•36 min
Dave and Randy welcome a longtime friend and fellow Mountain Man Richard Hurley to the Hot Mic. We’ve both played a lot of Richard’s music on the radio over the years and in today’s first episode we chat with Richard about our beloved mountains and how he has written songs about his experience of growing up here, surrounded by the rich culture of music we all live with here.
Oct 22, 2023•26 min
On this podcast we continue listening in the conversation that Brian and Barry Lee had with Dave Hogan about his years spent working with their Dad, Zeb Lee. For a half century the name Zeb Lee was synonymous with radio broadcasting in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Zeb founded radio station WSKY in 1947 and decade after decade his love of radio created a legacy that we are remembering here on Hot Mike With Houston and Hogan. Dave had the unique opportunity to be a part of WSKY for many y...
Oct 08, 2023•25 min
Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan features two radio professionals with over a hundred years of broadcasting experience between them. Dave Hogan and Randy Houston are both native Western North Carolinian’s – whose rich voices have been heard in every glade, cove and holler of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee during the last century – primarily on AM Radio and between the two of them – they’ve worked in just about every radio format. Classic rock ‘n roll - country - news talk - pop and big ...
Sep 24, 2023•34 min
Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan features two radio professionals with over a hundred years of broadcasting experience between them. Dave Hogan and Randy Houston are both native Western North Carolinian’s – whose rich voices have been heard in every glade, cove and holler of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee during the last century – primarily on AM Radio and between the two of them – they’ve worked in just about every radio format. Classic rock ‘n roll - country - news talk - pop and big ...
Sep 10, 2023•22 min
Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan features two radio professionals with over a hundred years of broadcasting experience between them. Dave Hogan and Randy Houston are both native Western North Carolinian’s – whose rich voices have been heard in every glade, cove and holler of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee during the last century – primarily on AM Radio and between the two of them – they’ve worked in just about every radio format. Classic rock ‘n roll - country - news talk - pop and big ...
Aug 27, 2023•22 min
Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan features two radio professionals with over a hundred years of broadcasting experience between them. Dave Hogan and Randy Houston are both native Western North Carolinian’s – whose rich voices have been heard in every glade, cove and holler of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee during the last century – primarily on AM Radio and between the two of them – they’ve worked in just about every radio format. Classic rock ‘n roll - country - news talk - pop and big ...
Aug 13, 2023•21 min
We talk about a range of topics in this episode, from our own radio bloopers to the deaths of a couple of Bluegrass Superstars to the beginning days of the recording industry. We hope you enjoy!
Aug 06, 2023•22 min
Randy and Dave talk about the Songs of the Old West in this Episode of Hot Mic with Houston & Hogan. Dave talks about a recent trip he took into the old west and some of the museums he visited and that music influenced Country and Western music.
Jul 23, 2023•22 min
