Radney Foster at The Armadillo Ranch

The position that Radney Foster enjoys in the music landscape is remarkable. Mainstream country music and independent Americana tend to occupy separate orbits. Yet for 37 years, Foster has thrived in both as a songwriter, recording artist, live performer and producer. His songs–solo, with Foster and Lloyd and recorded by other artists–have topped the country, Americana, and AAA charts alike. Foster developed his best-of-both-worlds sensibilities growing up in the small West Texas town of Del Rio, where he absorbed music from both the local pop radio station by day and the renegade country from border station XERF by night. He first gained attention as half of the duo Foster & Lloyd who, with “Crazy Over You” became the first duo in history to top the Country charts with their debut single. Their music appealed as much to college rock listeners looking for an edgy roots sound as it did country fans craving tradition, and they went on to release three ground-breaking albums for the label. He then established himself as a solo artist in the early 90’s with his critically acclaimed release Del Rio, Texas 1959. Known as a songwriter’s songwriter, his songs have been recorded by everyone from Keith Urban and the Chicks to Hootie & the Blowfish and George Benson. His own hits like “Just Call Me Lonesome”, “Nobody Wins,” and “Texas in 1880” continue to be played on radio and by bands around the world. His most recent project For You To See the Stars is in two parts, a book of short fiction, and a companion CD of the same name. Foster has written eight number one singles, including his own “Nobody Wins,” and “Crazy Over You” with duo Foster & Lloyd. His discography contains countless cuts by artists ranging anywhere from country (Keith Urban, The Chicks, Brooks and Dunn, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) to contemporary (Marc Broussard, Hootie & the Blowfish, Kenny Loggins, Los Lonely Boys, George Benson) and his songs have sold 50 million copies worldwide. He was recently…