Matt’s 25 Years of Big Frog Memories

The 25th anniversary of Big Frog 104 (Jumpin Country 96 Frog) is coming up on Friday and, being the only original “cast” member, I’ve been sorting through the highlights and memories. There have been so many-some that I have probably forgotten-that it’ hard to pick out my favorites but here are a few.

Frogfests–Picking out a favorite FrogFest is like picking out your favorite child. The best part has always been meeting you, the listener, and hearing the kind words and, yes, the gripes. Having Rascal Flatts appear in 2000 before they were RASCAL FLATTS! was a highlight as were the appearances of Josh Turner, Rodney Atkins and Mark Chestnut.

Blake Shelton–Back in the spring of 2001 I was doing my morning show when I was told a new artist had arrived and was bringing his debut single with him. I said, “OK, I’ll fit him in”. He walked into the studio, about six-foot four with long stringy hair and a CD of a song called “Austin”. We chatted, I played the CD and he did a couple more songs on his guitar and left. Nice guy, I thought. Hope he makes it. Bottom line, he did.

Dixie Chicks–Same deal as Blake. New artists sometimes wander in with their new releases and such was the case with the Dixie Chicks. They were just hitting with their first release “I Can Love You Better Than That” and were on their way to Vernon Downs to do a few songs before and between races. We served them pizza and soft drinks and off they went. I thought, “Well they’re a little different aren’t they”. A year later they were winning every award imaginable.

As I have been writing this I remembered some other highlights and significant memories. I’ll have them up soon.

Blake Shelton and Ray Price Feudin'