Former WBAP Country Cowboy, Bill Mack, Dead at 88

FT. WORTH (WBAP/KLIF) – The former host of WBAP’s Country Roads Show, Bill Mack, has died at the age of 88.
Mack started his show in 1969, the name of the show was later changed to the Midnight Cowboy Trucking Show and catered to truck drivers working late at night. He also hosted the syndicated radio show Country Crossroads that was heard on more than 800 stations across the country.

In the country music industry, Mack was also a songwriter. His best-known song is “Blue,” one of LeAnn Rimes’ biggest hits. The song won Mack the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1997. Mack also wrote “Drinking Champagne,” which has been recorded by numerous artists. The song was a hit for Cal Smith in 1968, and again for George Strait 1990 on his album Livin’ It Up. Some of his other songs have been recorded by Dean Martin, Ray Price, Jerry Lee Lewis and George Jones.

In 2000, Mack won the media category award given by the Grand Ole Opry. He was named to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame in 1982.

According to a Facebook post from his son Mack died of Covid-19, but also had underlying health issues.

Listen to a clip from the show below:

(Copyright 2020 WBAP/KLIF News. All Rights Reserved)