Radio and I go a long way back
Cactus Pryor

Cactus Pryor is an Austin radio personality, columnist and author.

The first time I was on the radio was too dang long ago.

It was a kids' show, and I was one of the kids. About seven of us youngsters were being entertained by a nice lady who told stories. The stories were about some of the wonderful talking goats, horses that could fly, things like that. I learned that dragons and two-headed cows and flying dogs and cats can be flying right in my bedroom.

So, when I grew older, my dad brought home a little old radio. Out of that little box, I discovered the time of day, the songs that were loved and how hot it was and…. and I could go to football games sitting right there on that little-bitty box.

So one day, I had a call from a friend of mine inviting me to join him on a trip to San Antonio. Our purpose was to make a singing commercial. My friend's uncle worked at that radio station, and he wanted two youngsters singing a commercial. Wow, what a wonderful day. So we sang, "In the white house of our nation, coffee cups bring great elation. When you want the very best, Admiration will pass the test."

Wow! A real radio station, WOAI. I was hooked, not on WOAI, but on KTBC, KLBJ. KRLD, KVET, KNOW and a few more stations.