Ray Wylie Hubbard is the ultimate behind the scenes man in country. Everyone knows who he is and has worked with him, and his fan base has remained dedicated throughout the years. He may not have the most Twitter followers or sell out stadiums, but his name commands respect from anyone who knows it. He’s a legend in his field with a reputation for being down to earth and talented. His more than 40 years of experience in the business have lent him a sense of knowledgeability, much like a master craftsmen. As seriously as he’s taken by other musicians, he’s not afraid to have fun with his music. He’s out here having a good time and making sure everyone around him gets to join in. I drove 3 hours to interview and see Ray in Bryan. It was a hot day and he was playing an outdoor venue, so he invited me to stay on the cool air-conditioned bus with him and his crew while we waited for the show to start. I of course said yes, and had such a unique experience. I learned so much about him and how he sees the world, which is with grace and appreciation. We talked, laughed, shared stories, watched the Cowboys, and drank coffee together. He made me my first cup of tour bus coffee, and I was impressed. It wasn’t a $4 cup of Chemex pour over, but it was just what I needed to make it through a late show and the drive back home. Ray and I bonded over our shared caffeine addiction. (Fun fact: he’s a huge Starbucks fan, and his whole crew will make stops on the way to shows!) For the show in Bryan, Ray had a pared down band that only included him, a drummer, and a guitarist, who happened to be his son. Everything was kept simple, but that allowed his complex narrative lyrics and sense of humor to shine. We all laughed, clapped, and sang along. The crowd was full of adults, but that didn’t stop anyone from having a good time. I found myself searching for professors during the show, but unfortunately didn’t see any I knew. I had a great time speaking with and seeing Ray Wylie Hubbard. Our interview was fantastic and full of wisdom and humor. Check it out below! [audio m4a="http://kanm.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Ray-Wylie-Hubbard.m4a"][/audio] Ray often plays local shows and just released a new album. Keep up with him on social media for information on all of this and more! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raywyliehubbard/ Twitter: @raywylie Instagram: @raywylie