Recorded in 2010, this is my archived interview with Leon Rausch, known as "the voice of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys." Leon talks about growing up in Missouri, his first radio broadcast at age three, how Bob Wills discovered him, and decades spent carrying Western Swing forward.

An encore release from my early days as a DJ in Davis, California for my radio show "The Dinner Bell Roundup." My voice is younger here , before kids, family, my law enforcement career, and sixteen years of living. I'm leaving it exactly as it was recorded. This is the archive, not a redo.

Produced by Tyler Kinney & Meghan "Mae" McCoy

Check out more of my work at www.maeoutwest.com

Billy Mata calls himself a “50-year overnight sensation.” In this episode of the Mae Out West Podcast, the Ambassador of Western Swing reflects on five decades on the bandstand, the influence of Nat King Cole on his vocal craft, and the work ethic rooted in a WWII story from his father that shaped his philosophy of trust and authenticity.

From dance halls in Texas to audiences across generations, Billy explains why personality matters, why human connection still outruns algorithms, and why Western Swing continues to cycle back into relevance.

Learn more:

Theme Song : " At Sundown" Mae McCoy and her Neon Stars

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https://substack.com/@maeoutwest

www.billymataentertainer.com

Western Swing. Honky tonk. California heritage through a Filipino-American lens.

Hosted by Meghan "Mae" McCoy - Western Swing Hall of Fame Inductee, broadcaster, and bandleader bringing unique perspective to music, culture, and the stories shaping the West.

Mae Out West Drops Feb. 18th, 2026

www.maeoutwest.com

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