Bobby Bones To Be Commencement Speaker

At age 17, Bobby Estell began his radio career in 1998 at Henderson State University’s KSWH 102.5 FM. Today, better known as Bobby Bones, has one of the biggest country morning shows in the United States.

Bones, originally from Hot Springs, will be the speaker at Henderson State’s spring commencement May 13, according to the University.

“Had I not started at Henderson State, I would have never been able to get into radio as quickly as I did,” Bones said. “It opened doors that otherwise would have been closed.”

When asked what message he will deliver to the 2016 graduating class, Bones said, “You’re going to hear a million ‘no’s,’ but all it takes is one ‘yes.’ So keep fighting for that one, single ‘yes.’”

After earning his degree in radio and television from Henderson in 2002, Bones was hired by Q100/KQAR in Little Rock and The Bobby Bones Night Show was born.

In 2003, he moved to Austin, Texas, where he began hosting The Bobby Bones Show. He was joined on the air by his sidekicks Lunchbox and Amy. They attracted listeners in droves, as well as topped the market’s rankings.

Bones was named Austin Radio Personality of the Year for three consecutive years from 2009-2011.

The Bobby Bones Show was nationally syndicated on CHR radio from 2011-2013 when the program transitioned to a country music format.

Today, the program originates from WSIX 97.9 FM in Nashville, Tennessee, and can be heard on nearly 100 country radio stations nationwide by millions of listeners.

In addition to his weekday program, Bones added a weekend country countdown show. Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones, a four-hour music program, airs nationwide on about 130 affiliates.

Bones is also half of The Raging Idiots, a comedy band with his radio producer that plays shows across the U.S. and has raised more than $1 million to benefit various charities.