The Hillbilly Boys was a radio show that featured live music and general entertainment hosted by W. Lee O'Daniel. The show was centered around a country and western swing musical theme, often showcasing talented musicians with roots in the "hillbilly" culture. One memorable aspect of the show was O'Daniel's role as an announcer, providing moral lessons and reciting poems he had written. This helped to create a laid-back and light-hearted ambiance, allowing the audience to feel a connection with the musicians and other performers. The show's popularity most likely relied heavily on O'Daniel's ability to promote the music and talent within the Texas region.
The Hillbilly Boys radio show aired from 1935 until around 1938 and featured Pat O'Daniel and his band, who were sponsored by the O'Daniel Flour Company of Fort Worth, Texas. The musical stylings of the group gained popularity and played a pivotal role in the Texas music scene, particularly due to the inclusion of Kitty "Texas Rose" Williamson, who was the first female singer in western swing music. W. Lee O'Daniel would go on to have a successful political career as Governor of Texas and later a United States Senator, with some attributing his success in part to the popularity of the radio show.
Sources: archive.org, otrcat.com