Western Swing Spotlight: David Stricklin on Brother Al, Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM - Sunday's at 2pm.

On Dennis Postiglione’s Country and Western Show on Boerne Radio 103.9 FM, Dennis interviews historian Dr. David Stricklin, son of Texas Playboys pianist “Brother Al” Stricklin, about David’s upcoming TCU Press book, Brother Al Stricklin Now: Memories of a Texas Playboy (Oct. 13, 2026).

David recounts Al’s Church of Christ upbringing, ragtime and jazz influences, and the coincidences that brought him to Bob Wills, including KFJZ radio, the Light Crust Doughboys, and Tulsa. The episode features classic recordings—“Osage Stomp,” “Maiden’s Prayer,” “Steel Guitar Rag,” “Blue Yodel No. 1,” “New San Antonio Rose,” and “Take Me Back to Tulsa”—with discussion of Al’s stride style, Tommy Duncan, radio’s impact, Al leaving in 1942 for wartime work, and his 1970s revival with Asleep at the Wheel and Austin City Limits.

• 00:00 Show Opening
• 00:50 Meet the Guests
• 01:14 Western Swing Origins
• 02:30 First Track Osage Stomp
• 05:49 Al’s Early Musical Roots
• 07:56 How Al Met Bob Wills
• 11:05 Maiden’s Prayer Explained
• 15:17 Brother Al and Band Life
• 16:41 Steel Guitar Rag Spotlight
• 21:28 Al’s Piano Style Breakdown
• 25:58 Radio and Genre Blending
• 29:09 New San Antonio Rose Era
• 32:15 Tommy Duncan Stories
• 36:22 Why Al Left in 1942
• 40:42 Book Title and Fame Tales
• 42:26 Western Swing Revival 1970s
• 47:36 Austin City Limits Return
• 48:44 Personal Memories and Wrap-Up
• 51:13 Closing Song and Sponsor Spot