Big Kenny Stopped in His Tracks the First Time He Heard Himself on the Radio
Big Kenny, of country duo Big & Rich, recalls the group's major-label debut album, Horse of a Different Color, as the culmination of years of work. Released in 2004, the record kicked off the duo's career, which thus far has included include six albums and numerous awards and accolades.
Before all that took place, however, Big & Rich's debut single from Horse of a Different Color, "Wild West Show," introduced the duo to a mainstream country audience and peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard country singles charts. Read on to learn what Big Kenny was doing, and what his reaction was, the first time he heard "Wild West Show" on the radio.
I remember hearing our first song off of our first record, Horse of a Different Color, [on the radio.] The song was called "Wild West Show." When I heard it, I was pulling into the home of Barbara Mandrell. It was at the Fontanel Mansion, and at that point in time, I was actually living out there in an old house they had. I'd fixed it up.
I just stopped right there. I was pulling into the entrance, and I just stopped right where I was and took it all in. That's all you can do in those moments, man.
I mean, I was just so shocked. It's just such a happy, happy place to be, you know, to hear your music. After you've worked so hard, and for so long, just to hear it come on the radio station one time, when it finally happens, it feels fantastic.
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