“Music's impact on culture is incalculable. Its implications are boundless.”

Tim Wagoner:

The Fabulous TruTones of Music City

On their new album, Comin' Back Live (2025), The Fabulous TruTones lock into a groove that shapeshifts from classic blues in the vein of the three Kings to echoes of SoCal roots-rock from the mid-'70s, to the rocking side of old school country, and back. Led by singer/guitarist Tim Wagoner, whose resume includes two decades in the Nashville songwriting machine and nearly a decade on the road with Big Al and The Heavyweights. When he relocated back home to Iowa 10 years ago, starting a new band was the furthest thing from his mind. But when the blues is a part of your DNA, the pull of the music vortex is inevitable. Wagoner's longtime friend, Paul Ferguson (bass, vocals), eventually convinced him to start a new band. After a couple of personnel changes over the first few years, Jim Dreier took up residence behind the drum kit in early 2023, and The Fabulous TruTones were born. Comin' Back Live is more than 10 songs that leap out of the speakers with every listen, it's a masterclass in songwriting and the art of making everything NOT sound the same.

(Photo: The Fabulous TruTones are Tim Wagoner, Paul Ferguson, and Jim Dreier)

Tim Wagoner, guitarist and lead vocalist, began playing piano at the age of 8, picked up guitar at the age of 10 and went on to major in music at the University of Northern Iowa. Following this musical path eventually led him to Dallas TX and 10 years in the Texas blues scene, then 20 years in Nashville TN as a song writer, studio musician and live performer, traveling for 8 years  with notable New Orleans based blues band, Big Al & The Heavyweights, covering the lower 48 and releasing 5 CDs. With The Fabulous TruTones, he continues the journey.

Interview by Michael Limnios              Special Thanks: Larry Kay (Night Train PR)

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What keeps a musician passionate over the years?

From a very young age, music's influence on my view of the world has been absolute. That hasn't changed. It was present in my family, in church and in school. Then, as my generation began to grow up, the music that exploded on radio and tv became probably the number one influence on how I saw the world. It sparked curiosity about other countries, distant lands and different cultures both abroad and here in the U.S. Music, being a universal language, eventually led me to a "one world" view. One world, one race... the human race. This trio of like minded musicians and friends we call The Fabulous TruTones share that view. I believe that what keeps us passionate about music is its undeniable ability to bring people together and unite us. Call me an idealist but I still believe that music can change the world. It can certainly change people.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I started making music, really, as a child. And now, I've been through so many different phases of my life and career that I don't think about defining "my" music or "my" sound in any particular way. In this group we've certainly leaned heavily on the blues and yep, some good 'ol rock 'n roll and even some country influences. We try not to restrict ourselves. No boundaries. My personal creative drive can come from just about anything. From true love to just hitting that low "E" string on my guitar! Life is such a rich experience. There's endless inspiration. When it comes to songwriting, whatever works ya know.... it could be anything. Whatever gets me started, I'll take it, run with it and, hopefully, finish it.

“My hope for the future of music is that there will always be artists creating and performing music for the sheer joy of it. My biggest fear for any form of self-expression in the future would be the ill effects of censorship.” (Photo: Tim Wagoner)

Why do you think that Nashville music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

Nashville's rep as the home of country music, the place where so many huge hits and stars are made, etc., is known worldwide. But to me, Nashville is first and foremost, a vast and vibrant songwriting community. I think that is what keeps it so relevant. It all starts with the song.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

Wow. There are so many. Not long after I bought the Tele that I still play today, the producer we were working with at the time, who happened to be good friends with Les Paul, surprised us by bringing Mr. Paul into a session and introduced us to him. When he got to me, Les Paul looked at my Tele and asked "What are you playing that piece of shit for?" I answered, "Because I couldn't afford a Les Paul!" I met Steve Cropper in a club in Nashville where I was playing a gig one night. He asked to sit in, played my Tele and actually paid me a nice compliment. I was blown away. I think that's one reason my Tele looks so rough. I never wanted to clean it after that! I have so many great memories of the Big Al and The Heavyweights days...all the gigs we played and all the cities we saw. We pretty much covered the lower 48 over the 8 years I was with Big Al.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of music?

Well, it's easy to long for the old days. It's easy to miss the grit and imperfections of some of the music of the past, to complain that the more visceral human element is being lost in some of today's music due to overproduction. But it still just comes down to how any given artist chooses to use the tools at their disposal. My hope for the future of music is that there will always be artists creating and performing music for the sheer joy of it. My biggest fear for any form of self-expression in the future would be the ill effects of censorship.

“Just always trying to stay true to who we are and to what we're trying to do as a band. We're gonna keep doing this until we can't. Your age doesn't matter. If you find music you like, that's your music. Find something you love and hold on to it.” (Photo: Tim Wagoner)

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music's impact on culture is incalculable. It's implications are boundless. I spent years trying to be a better guitar player, focusing on playing and singing the very best that I could. But in my 40s, when I married my wife, Glenda, she helped me realize that the only thing that really matters is what the music makes the listener feel. You could be the most amazing player or singer, technically flawless and perfect. But if you don't move anybody in the audience emotionally then, its pointless. I want someone, anyone or everyone that's listening to our music, to feel something. It's about the flow of energy. It has to come off the stage. And when it comes back from the audience and then bounces back out there and that whole thing gets bigger and bigger...that's when magic happens.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Appreciation. Humility. Staying grounded and grateful. People will tell you a lot of stuff. It's essential to have someone you trust that will tell you the truth.

What are you doin g to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Just always trying to stay true to who we are and to what we're trying to do as a band. We're gonna keep doing this until we can't. Your age doesn't matter. If you find music you like, that's your music. Find something you love and hold on to it.

The Fabulous TruTones - Home

(Photo: The Fabulous TruTones are Tim Wagoner, Paul Ferguson, and Jim Dreier)