NELSON, WILLIE [TX]
Willie Nelson, DJ / host of "The Western Express" radio show on Vancouver, Washington's KVAN-AM radio, 1957
Homebase: Vancouver, WA
Stats: (b. 1933)
Misc Notes: The Western Express was a country-music radio show transmitted by KCNC in Texas. The show started in 1947, hosted by disk jockey Charlie Williams. In 1956, the station hired "Texas Willie" Nelson, a then struggling singer-songwriter who previously worked on different radio stations. Nelson hosted the three-hour-long show singing his original songs, taking calls and playing records. After moving to Portland, Oregon, in 1956 Nelson reprised the show for KVAN, in Vancouver, Washington. Initially on a morning one-hour slot, Nelson limited the format to only playing records. Through public appearances, he became a popular DJ, eventually moving to a four-hour-long slot. After cutting his debut record in 1957, Nelson went on to fame and fortune in Nashville and Austin.
Willie and Buck and others play at Bellingham's Assumption Church and Catholic School's gymnasium. Bellingham Herald, display ad, December 20, 1963.
MISC NOTES: This was/is Willie Nelson's first record cut when he was a disc jockey at KVAN radio in Vancouver, WA. It was recorded in 1957 and released in February, 1958. Songwriter, Leon Payne, was a fellow DJ and occasional band-mate of Nelson.
LOCATION: Vancouver, WA
RECORDING PERSONNEL: Willie Nelson (vocals / guitar); Buddy Fite (steel guitar)
RECORDING STUDIO: KVAN Radio
RECORDING ENGINEER: Willie Nelson
FORMAT: disc
SIZE: 7"
SPEED: 45 rpm
DISC NOTES:
A-SIDE MATRIX: 45-628-A
A-SIDE STAMPER CODE: 45-628-A
A-SIDE COMPOSER: W. Nelson
A-SIDE PUBLISHER: Starrite - BMI
B-SIDE MATRIX: 45-628-B
B-SIDE STAMPER CODE: 45-628-B
B-SIDE COMPOSER: L. Payne
B-SIDE PUBLISHER: Hill & Range - BMI