Texas country fans weigh in on music’s next big breakout stars
An informal Facebook survey by Texas Brew Radio asked fans a simple question: “Who is the future of Texas Country — the next big breakout?”
Based on reactions visible on the nomination comments, Josh Weathers led the field with nine, followed by Randall King, David Lewis and Braxton Keith with seven each and The Wilder Blue with six.
Now, first off, this whole poll thing is incredibly unscientific. We got the snapshot at one point, and one artist could have trampled all of them but it does give us an idea of who is bubbling up out there.
There is a whole thread on there about Charley Crockett going to break out. I want to scream, that horse is out of the corral and running across the prairie, but I digress.
First off, someone is asking, who is Texas Brew Radio? Here’s your answer: Texas Brew Radio, based in Wichita Falls, is an internet radio station that celebrates Texas country and Red Dirt music while connecting listeners with established performers and emerging artists.
Available worldwide through Live365, the station primarily plays original music from independent Texas songwriters. Texas Brew Radio also produces programs such as “Red Dirt Proud,” along with artist interviews, live shows and fan-driven discussions.
More information is available on the Texas Brew Radio website, and listeners can hear the station through Live365. Go check it out.
Now, here’s how we counted the votes.
- Josh Weathers
Josh Weathers topped the visible voting at about 3 p.m. Thursday.
The Fort Worth-area singer has built a loyal following with a sound that crosses country, Southern soul, gospel and rock ’n’ roll.
His powerful voice and energetic live performances have made him one of the Texas music scene’s most recognizable entertainers.
Weathers has also combined music with ministry and humanitarian work, including efforts to help children in India. How could anyone vote against this saint?
Music, tour dates and more information are available on Josh Weathers’ official website.
- Randall King
Randall King finished in a three-way tie for second.
The West Texas native has become one of the leading voices in modern traditional country music.
His music draws heavily from the honky-tonk sound of the 1980s and 1990s, with George Strait frequently cited as a major influence.
King’s recordings include the albums “Shot Glass” and “Into the Neon,” and his audience has expanded well beyond Texas.
Fans can find his music and tour schedule on Randall King’s official website.
- David Lewis
Lewis also received seven reactions in the informal survey was raised in Bellville and began performing in a church worship band before moving into the Texas opry and honky-tonk circuits.
His traditional-country style reflects the influence of Merle Haggard, George Strait and Brooks & Dunn.
Lewis wrote and co-produced his debut album, “Country Music Therapy,” while still a high school senior and has since developed a reputation for energetic shows and strong guitar work.
His music, videos and upcoming appearances can be found on David Lewis’ official website.
- Braxton Keith
He completed the three-way tie for second in this fan vote.
The Midland native combines Texas honky-tonk, Western swing and contemporary country while maintaining a distinctly traditional vocal style.
Keith began learning piano and music theory as a child and wrote his first song when he was 7.
His debut album, “Real Damn Deal,” helped establish him as one of country music’s most closely watched young performers.
More information about Keith’s music and tour dates is available on Braxton Keith’s official website.
- The Wilder Blue
This Texas supergroup was formed by Texas singer-songwriter Zane Williams, the five-member group is known for polished harmonies that recall the Eagles and Alabama.
The band combines country, folk, bluegrass and classic rock into a sound that is both distinctly Texan and broadly accessible.
The Wilder Blue gained additional national attention through its recording of “Seven Bridges Road” with Luke Combs and by opening shows on Combs’ 2024 tour.
Fans can explore the band’s recordings, shows and membership offerings on The Wilder Blue’s official website.
- Presley Haile
He is a Hamilton native who blends folk, country and Americana with emotionally direct songwriting influenced by artists such as James Taylor and Patty Griffin.Her music and upcoming appearances can be found on Presley Haile’s official website.
- Tristan Roberson
Roberson is a Frisco singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose traditional-country foundation is paired with the energy of a new generation, and his breakout song “Somewhere in Texas” reached No. 1 on Texas radio.
Music, tour information and more are available on Tristan Roberson’s official website.
- Shelby Stone
This Fort Worth-area country-rock artist known for her powerhouse vocals, honest songs, commanding stage presence and unmistakable blue hair.
Listeners can find her music and show information on Shelby Stone’s official website.
- Ryder Grimes
Grimes grew up in the small Northeast Texas community of Poetry and began performing at age 11, developing a style rooted in classic country with a modern edge.
His biography, merchandise and performance schedule are available through Ryder Grimes’ official website.
- Ghosts of Hill County
This group blends gritty Red Dirt storytelling, driving guitars and country-rock energy, and the band reports accumulating more than 2.6 million Spotify streams.
Music and tour information are available on the Ghosts of Hill County official website.
La Porte native Jake Worthington was the runner-up on Season 6 of “The Voice” and has built his career around neotraditional country and Western swing.
Fans can learn more about his music at Jake Worthington’s official website.
Del Rio’s William Beckmann combines traditional country with the mariachi, Norteño and borderland sounds of his Mexican American upbringing, delivering both English- and Spanish-language music through his distinctive baritone.
His recordings, biography and tour information are available on William Beckmann’s official website.
Here’s the deal. This list isn’t a precise answer but it does give you an answer of who’s bubbling up out there. Another major take away is the key message that love it or not, neo-traditional country is here.
