Formed in 1931 by fiddle player Bob Wills, guitarist Herman Arnspiger, and vocalist Milton Brown, the western swing band was sponsored by Burrus Mill and Elevator Company to advertise the mill’s light crust flour and quickly rose to radio fame.
Over the years, new bandmates joined the group as the original members broke off to pursue solo careers, but the Light Crust Doughboys rolled on.
The Light Crust Doughboys ushered in an era of western swing — a combination of jazz and country music. | Photo courtesy of TSHA
We connected with Grammy Award winner Art Greenhaw, who currently leads the “world’s longest continually performing and recording country band” nearly 100 years after its founding.
What does it mean for you to continue a musical legacy that dates back nearly 100 years?
I’d heard the Light Crust Doughboys all my life, and they were always bigger than life and magical. They were super, super, super successful, so I always equated them with success — the ultimate Texas band. It was just a dream to make music with them. I love Texas-style, country, folk and gospel music.
What are your favorite Light Crust Doughboys songs?
“Radio Theme” that brought the band on and off the air
“Tiger Rag,” which was featured in a major Hollywood movie called “Oh Susanna”
“Beautiful Texas,” a love song to the state of Texas that the band immortalized
It really warms my heart when the Light Crust Doughboys step on stage, and older people in the audience will tear up and start crying when they hear things like “Beautiful Texas” and the “Radio Theme.” It brings so many precious memories to them.
The upcoming concerts will bring together two historic Fort Worth entities: the Light Crust Doughboys and the Southside Preservation Hall. | Photo by Steven Martin/Flickr
Upcoming concerts
The Light Crust Doughboys are setting dates for an upcoming quarterly concert series at the historic Southside Preservation Hall. The first two dates are Saturday, Dec. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Stay tuned for ticket links and more concerts.
Trivia Night | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Saddlerock Wine and Beer Co. | Grab your friends and put your knowledge to the test — winning teams receive gift cards to the new wine house.
Friday, Oct. 25
West 7th Halloween Weekend Party | Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Texas Republic | $0+ | Sip on spooky cocktails and compete in a costume contest with $3,000 in prize money.
Saturday, Oct. 26
The Great Pumpkin Plunge | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9-11 a.m. | Burleson Recreation Center, Burleson | $5+ | Swim at the indoor pool + pick a pumpkin from the floating patch.
“Cinderella” | Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | Casa Manana | $19+ | Settle in for a lively Rogers and Hammerstein youth adaptation of this classic story.
TCU Horned Frogs Football | Saturday, Oct. 26 | Amon G. Carter Stadium | $94+ | The Horned Frogs will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders at home.
Whether you’re celebrating someone special or just want an excuse to get dressed up, Tea at The Adolphus is a can’t-miss experience. | GIF by FTWtoday
From scones and finger sandwiches to an elegant setting, no detail is overlooked at Tea at The Adolphus. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this storied tradition for ourselves at the historic hotel located in downtown Dallas.
Served in the beautiful French Room dining room, the tea service is filled with delight + surprise and is exquisitely executed, from the carefully curated menu to the custom china and friendly staff.
We enjoyed a three-course menu featuring tea sandwiches, scones, and pastries paired with loose leaf teas from Zakti, a local purveyor.
The Adolphus staff also made sure to make our champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true. The newly debuted Caviar Service adds an extra special touch to afternoon tea.
Interested in experiencing this yourself? Tea is served daily, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (last seating). Solo diners are welcome. For parties of six or more, reservations can be made by emailing reservations@thefrenchroom.com or by calling 214-651-3615.
A gas station restaurant on McCart Avenue is a new hot spot for fried food. Lul B’s Restaurant, which opened earlier this month, serves juicy burgers and wings, crispy fried catfish and chicken tenders, as well as crunchy + salty fries and onion rings — for under $10. Chow down on other cheap eats.
Traffic
The North Central Texas Council of Governments was awarded an $80 million federal grant for a 1.8-mile long bridge project in Haslet. The freight bridge is planned between Texas 170 and Intermodal Parkway to connect BNSF’s intermodal hub and warehouses in Alliance. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
Travel
No cutting — Fort Worth-based American Airlines is testing a new system to catch passengers who sneak ahead in line. The program — designed to keep the priority boarding process efficient — will beep when a passenger scans before their boarding group has been called. (NY Post)
Trending
Doing your civic duty is in — WFAA’s Paul Livengood shared that several North Texas counties saw over 100,000 ballots cast in the first two days of early voting. Double check our election guide for the ins and outs of voting in Tarrant County.
Outdoors
Fort Worth’s Park & Recreation Department was recently accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association for its land management, facilities, resources, programs, and service — earning “a place among the nation’s elite agencies.”
Sports
Sitting at 3-3, the Dallas Cowboys are still in contention for the NFC East, according to local experts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool. Learn who the biggest playoff competitors could be on Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Seasonal
Beware + prepare for the return of Boo at the Zoo from Friday, Oct. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 27. (Yes, that’s this weekend.) This annual family-friendly event transforms the Fort Worth Zoo into a Halloween haven of delightful surprises and festivities for all ages. Secure your tickets for Halloween fun.*
Wellness
Inspired by ancient nutrition and modern science, MTE is designed to supercharge your energy, focus + productivity with clinically backed ingredients. Save $156 on your first order.*
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Hair Food’s highly rated heat protectant spray. The sulfate and paraben-free formula features nourishing ingredients like coconut + argan oil. It’s suitable for all hair types and protects against heat damage up to 450°.
It was so wonderful to get to speak with Art Greenhaw and get to learn more about the legacy of the Light Crust Doughboys. I can’t wait to attend one of the concerts at the Southside Preservation Hall and clap and sing along with the crowd.
Art — thanks for making me an honorary Light Crust Doughgirl.
