Billy Bob's Texas | Fort Worth, TX
Story & Photos by: Greg Roach
Randall King and his “Hard Livin’ Band” made their debut on the big stage at Billy Bob’s Texas, on July 5, 2019, and it was a rousing success by all measures. Randall and his band have been on quite a run, recently playing the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, and showed up in Fort Worth prepped for an epic night.
Humble beginnings, a cultivated work ethic, and the influences of classic country legends, synchronized together in perfect harmony, make up the singer-songwriter from the West Texas Plains. Growing up a fourth-generation hay-hauler, many of King’s songs are written and inspired by his deep southern heritage and family roots. He was raised listening to rich and soulful, classic country voices such as Keith Whitley, George Strait, and Alan Jackson, which helped create King’s musical style into what many have described as a neo-traditional country. “Randall King remains to the heart and soul of country music, but no doubt brings his own unique brand to the genre,” says hit songwriter Mark Nesler (co-writer of “Just To See You Smile” by Tim McGraw, “You Look Good In My Shirt” by Keith Urban).
With a sound rooted in tradition and songwriting that showcases honesty, conviction, and authenticity, King connects with fans on all emotional levels. “Randall King has a great voice that sounds classic, yet is fresh and as a songwriter, he actually has something to say – be it something that touches your heart or something simple and fun that makes you want to get out and raise some hell,” said multi-award-winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Anthony Smith (co-writer of “Run” & “Cowboys Like Us” by George Strait).
Preshow jitters abounded as Randall paced like a caged cat behind the stage, his drummer, Jason Barocio, drummed on every flat surface available, and Bass player, Seth Rodriguez, and guitarist, Logan Broadus, joked and prodded each other while warming up. Steel player, Matt Harber, was the last to join the group backstage after tuning up. After a pep talk from the boss and a group prayer, the 5 took the stage and proceeded to blow away the big crowd with 90+ minutes of hard-driving country music.
From the first note of the opening song, “Taking Me a Heartbreak” to closing the night with the very personal tribute to his Grandfather, “When He Knows Me”, King owned the stage and the crowd. The high-energy show had the crowd singing along and the “Hard Livin’ Band” didn’t miss a note all night. They even received a standing ovation mid-show after performing “Another Bullet”. This was just the next big step for an artist on the rise, with a seemingly limitless future. You can catch Randall July 26 & 27 at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Cheyenne, WY, then he’s back in Texas August 17 at KOKEfest 2019, in Hutto, TX.
(Note: Portions of this review contain information taken from Randall King’s Press Kit Bio)