William Clark Green Shares What Matters Most Before Rebel Fest

When I caught up with William Clark Green on the radio recently, I expected we'd spend most of our conversation talking about music and his upcoming appearance at the 5th Annual Robert Ybarra Rebel Fest.

Instead, one of the first things we talked about was family.

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William and his wife recently welcomed their third child, a baby girl named Grace Marie. Laughing, he told me having three kids officially makes them "certified insane," but he also shared something every parent understands—his family finally feels complete.

Family Comes Before Fame

For years, William Clark Green has been one of the hardest-working artists in Texas Red Dirt music, but these days he's making sure life isn't all about the next show.

During our interview, he told me he's intentionally cut back on touring so he can spend more time at home with his wife and children. While he's still performing for fans across Texas, family has become his biggest priority.

We also talked about his newest single, Stubborn. William said it's one of his favorite songs he's ever written because it's dedicated to the hardworking, blue-collar men and women who put in long hours every week and enjoy spending a weekend at a Texas country concert.

Why Rebel Fest Is Different

William brings that same appreciation for family and community to the 5th Annual Robert Ybarra Rebel Fest on Friday, August 22, at Potosi Live.

Rebel Fest isn't simply another stop on a tour schedule. The annual event honors the memory of Robert Ybarra, whose love for Texas Red Dirt music inspired something that continues to make a difference today.

Each year, Rebel Fest raises scholarship funds benefiting Big Country student-athletes while bringing together families, friends, volunteers, local businesses, and some of the best Texas Red Dirt artists anywhere.

I've had the privilege of serving as Master of Ceremonies for the past four years, and one thing I've learned is that people don't return year after year just because of the music. They come back because they believe in what this event accomplishes for young people across the Big Country.

A Conversation I'll Remember

There was one lighthearted moment during our interview that made me laugh.

William joked that every time he tells someone he's coming to Abilene, they're quick to remind him it's actually Potosi. Then when he says he's playing Potosi, someone tells him it's basically Abilene. Either way, he smiled and said he's looking forward to coming back.

That's one of the things I've always appreciated about Texas Red Dirt artists. No matter how successful they become, they're still down-to-earth people who enjoy visiting with fans and supporting communities like ours.

Hear The Complete Interview

William Clark Green headlines this year's Rebel Fest lineup alongside Jacob Stelly, Jordan Nicks, Jeff Martin, Brett Patterson, Della Rose, Chris Lackey, Libby Lane and Mike Galloway.

The event also features a barbecue competition, live and silent auctions, with proceeds benefiting scholarships for Big Country student-athletes.

Advance tickets are $40 or $50 at the gate and are available at PotosiLive.com.

You'll also find my complete interview with William Clark Green included with this story, where you'll hear him talk about family, music, his newest single, and why he's excited to return to the Big Country for this year's Rebel Fest.

Read More: William Clark Green To Headline The 5th Annual Rebel Fest