The Western Express

The Western Express was a country-music radio show transmitted by KCNC in Fort Worth, Texas. The show started in 1947, hosted by disk jockey Charlie Williams. In 1956, the station later hired Willie Nelson, then a struggling singer-songwriter who previously worked on different radio stations. Nelson hosted the three-hour-long show singing his original songs, taking calls and playing records.

After moving to Portland, Oregon, Nelson hosted the show for KVAN, in Vancouver, Washington. Initially on a morning one-hour slot, Nelson limited the format to only play records. Through public appearances, he became a popular DJ, eventually moving to a four-hour-long slot. The show was cancelled in 1957, after KVAN switched the programming format from country music to rock and roll.