Tell us about your show! How long have you been running it? What music do you play? Have you had any guests?

My show name is Billygoat's Hoe Down, and has been playing on Sunday Evenings from 7-9pm for 24 years, and has been an Americana musical feast for your ears! Americana is a genre of contemporary music that incorporates elements of various styles of American music: Country, roots rock, folk, blues, and bluegrass! I also like to blend in good old funk and soul along with 50's and 60's rockabilly. Over the decades I have had numerous live shows in studio C, and countless calls from listeners.

Whats your favorite part of college radio? How'd you get involved in the first place?

My favorite part of college radio has to be the diversity lineup in its programming and our ability to pick and choose the tunes we wish to play as opposed to randomized computer selections while the "DJ" sits around and makes sure the computer doesnt glitch. The stacks in our library of music holds many treasures and jewels, and anyone can pick through our jungle of CDs to find some incredible tunes and artists. I was introduced to WUVT by another DJ, Lindsay Elmer. At the time, she was a co-worker of mine at Back Country Ski & Sports. One day she asked me if some CDs at the store were mine (Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Greg Brown were the artists in question), I said yes, they belong to me. It wasn't long until Lindsay convinced me to become a DJ since no one at the station currently played 'that kind of music,' and I'd be great at WUVT. I went into AM training, and my first WUVT show was Tuesday at 2-4am, then a summer show Wednesday at 9-12pm, and a show Sunday at 7-9pm, which is my current slot. On top of having a show during my time, I was the Americana Music Director from 2001-2004.

Have there been any shows that stuck with you during your time at WUVT?

Over the years, Billygoat's Hoe Down has had numerous artists preform "Live in Studio C", and have featured countless phone interviews. Two memorable "Live in Studio C" shows come to mind. The first would have to be the Hackensaw Boys! Both times they played live, the studio and entire 3rd floor hallway was packed and jacked. Once the band started, everyone began to stomp, whoop, slap, and holler. Squires shook and wobbled as the Boys rocked! The second show would be when I hosted Virginia Ground. The group clanked squires so well that by the time the show was complete, the studio was full of students and faculty, as well as a few patrons from the local bars that were listening to WUVT at the time. I have been incredibly blessed with numerous phone interviews over the years. If I had to pick a couple memorable ones, the first would be my interview with Bobby Rush, one of the last living blues legends (along with Buddy Guy) who plays phenomenally despite his old age. Rush is an incredibly talented artist who introduced funk into the blues genre, one of the kings of the Chiltin' Circuit, and from my hometown of Jackson Mississippi. After our interview, I got to meet him personally at the Epperly Mill in Floyd, Virginia. That night was an incredible evening of stories and music, with one of the last living legends of the blues! A second great interview was one I had with Mike Cooley, a founding member, singer, and guitarist for the Drive-By Truckers. Alongside my buddy Jeff Hope, I spoke with Mike before their show in Asheville at the Orange peel. Back in the day, you could "spotlight" a band and play only them for an entire show. For one Radiothon, I chose the Drive-By Truckers to showcase, and included our interview with Mike and the prolific impact they had on the resurgence of southern rock!

Are there any WUVT events you like attending?

I haven't attended many WUVT events in the past few years. Back in the day, though, I would attend Orgies (WUVT's semesterly organizational meeting) and assist in hosting Radiothon shows. It's truly been a privilege to be a part of WUVT, and it's been really cool celebrating WUVTs 60th, 70th, and 75th annaversary of being on-air. As for me, well, I used to joke and say to station managers and music directors "I'm like Bob Dylan, you let me in and I'll let you know when I'm leaving." As long as I'm living and breathing, you'll know where to find me most Sunday evenings. In January 2025, hopefully I can say for a quarter of a century I've been a part of the greatest radio station in the world with radio for everyone!

In April, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. A gofundme has been created to help ease the burden of his medical bills, and we encourage you to donate.

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