Episode notes
There may be music from Keith Whitley that the world has never heard.In this powerful conversation, Jesse Keith Whitley opens up about his father’s legacy, the possibility of unreleased recordings, and what country fans have been wondering for decades.But this episode goes far beyond that.Jesse speaks candidly about growing up as the son of two country music icons, his relationship with Lorrie Morgan, his own journey through addiction and recent sobriety, and what it’s like carving out a career under one of the most legendary names in country music history. He also shares stories involving…
Podcast
Drifting Cowboy
Dillon Weldon · Music · English
The Drifting Cowboy Podcast is where country music history and storytelling collide. Hosted by Dillon Weldon, each episode dives into the legends, lost stories, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped country music. With guests like Travis Tritt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and Randy Travis, you'll hear re
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16 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
Gary Stewart Was WILDER Than You Think… His Inner Circle Tells All
What was Gary Stewart REALLY like when the spotlight turned off? In this episode of Drifting Cowboy, we sit down with the people who knew him best — his daughter Shannon Stewart, longtime guitarist Boogie Bob, bodyguard Terry Porter, and acclaimed biographer Jimmy McDonough — for an unfiltered look at one of country music’s most misunderstood legends. They share never-before-heard stories about Gary’s wild lifestyle, his struggles, his sense of humor, and the moments that defined him behind the scenes. From chaotic nights on the road to unforgettable pranks and the reality of his battles…
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9 Apr 2026 · 56 min
Ronnie McDowell
Ronnie McDowell has lived one of the most fascinating careers in country music history—and in this episode of Drifting Cowboy , he tells it like only he can. From the moment he released “The King Is Gone” as a tribute to Elvis Presley, Ronnie’s life changed forever. That song launched a career that would go on to include massive hits like “Older Women” and “Wondering Eyes,” along with decades of stories from inside the heart of country music. In this conversation, Ronnie opens up about his friendships and experiences with legends like Conway Twitty and George Jones—sharing stories you won’t…
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19 Mar 2026 · 48 min
Hannah Dasher
In this episode of Drifting Cowboy , I sit down with rising country artist and viral sensation Hannah Dasher to talk about her journey through country music—from grinding it out as a Nashville songwriter to breaking through as an artist and building a massive audience with her “Stand By Your Pan” cooking series. Hannah shares what it really takes to make it in today’s music industry, how she carved out her own lane, and the moments that changed everything for her career. Along the way, she tells incredible stories about country legends like Patsy Cline, Naomi Judd, and what it was like…
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12 Mar 2026 · 59 min
John Carter Cash
John Carter Cash joins the Drifting Cowboy Podcast to share what his parents, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash , were really like behind the scenes. As the only son of two of the most iconic figures in country music history, John Carter offers a rare and personal look at the lives, personalities, humor, struggles, and faith of the legendary couple. From growing up surrounded by music at the Cash home to witnessing his parents’ love story up close, this conversation reveals the human side of the Man in Black and the Carter Family icon that most fans never saw. In this episode, John Carter…
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5 Mar 2026 · 30 min
Ben James | The Oak Ridge Boys
The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most legendary careers in country music history, but now the group has entered a brand-new chapter. In this episode of the Drifting Cowboy Podcast, Dillon Weldon sits down with Ben James, the newest member of the Oak Ridge Boys, to talk about how he joined the iconic group and what the future looks like.Ben shares the incredible story of how he became the new Oak Ridge Boy, what it’s like stepping into a legendary group with decades of history, and what fans can expect moving forward. We also talk about Ben’s musical background, the legacy of the Oak Ridge…
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20 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Rodney Crowell
Rodney Crowell was there.Before the myth. Before the legend. Before the Outlaw era became a T-shirt.In this episode of Drifting Cowboy, Rodney Crowell reflects on his time inside one of the most influential circles in country music history — alongside Johnny Cash, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rosanne Cash, and the writers who shaped an entire generation.From the raw reality of the Outlaw movement to the deeply human moments behind the music, Rodney shares what it was really like in the rooms where these songs — and these legends — were born. We talk about songwriting,…
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12 Feb 2026 · 59 min
Rick Trevino
Rick Trevino was one of the defining voices of 90s country music. With major radio hits, national tours, and a presence during one of country’s biggest boom periods, he lived the life many artists dream about. But at the height of the era, something shifted. In this episode of Drifting Cowboy , Rick Trevino reflects on the rise of 90s country, the pressure of fame, navigating Nashville as a bilingual/Latino artist, and the pull that brought him back to his roots. He opens up about identity, industry expectations, touring during the golden era of country radio, and what it really felt like…
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5 Feb 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
Bobby Bare
Bobby Bare doesn’t just remember country music history — he helped shape it.In this rare, in-depth interview, Bobby Bare reflects on a career that places him at the center of country music’s most important moments. From his role in the early creative culture that helped influence the Fender Stratocaster, to discovering and supporting artists like Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver, to firsthand stories involving Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, and Chet Atkins, this conversation captures living history from one of the genre’s most influential figures.Bobby shares stories you don’t hear in…
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22 Jan 2026 · 36 min
John Ford Coley
Most people know Dan Seals as a country music legend — but before the hits on country radio, he was England Dan , one half of the massively successful duo England Dan & John Ford Coley . In this episode of the Drifting Cowboy Podcast , John Ford Coley sits down with me to tell the real story behind his partnership with Dan Seals, the rise of England Dan & John Ford Coley , and the honest, human reasons the duo ultimately broke up. John opens up about Dan’s transition into country music stardom, life after the split, and what it was really like navigating success at the height of the 1970s…
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15 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Gary Gentry
What really inspired “The Ride” — one of the most haunting songs in country music history?Songwriter Gary Gentry (“The Ride,” “The One I Loved Back Then,” and more) tells the unbelievable true story behind the song that has puzzled and fascinated fans for decades. After a night of heavy drinking, drugs, and reckless curiosity, Gary and a group of friends held a seance to provoke the spirit of Hank Williams.What happened next would stay with Gary forever.In this podcast, Gary recounts seeing what he believes was Hank Williams’ ghost — an encounter that later shaped the writing of “The Ride,”…
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