A Good Long Drive: Fifty Years of Texas Country Reporter

by Bob Phillips

In 2021, Texas Country Reporter celebrates its fiftieth season on the air. Broadcast every week on stations across Texas, it focuses on “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” And at the center of it is Bob Phillips, the show’s creator and host—an erstwhile poor kid from Dallas who ended up with a job that allowed him to rub elbows with sports figures, entertainers, and politicians but who preferred to spend his time on the back roads, listening to less-famous Texans tell their stories. In this memoir, Phillips tells his own story, from his early days as a reporter and his initial pitch for the show while a student at SMU to his ongoing work at the longest-running independently produced TV show in American television history. As we travel with Phillips on his journey, we meet Willie Nelson and former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry; reflect on memorable, unusual, and challenging show segments; experience the behind-the-scenes drama that goes on in local television; witness the launching of an annual festival; and discover the unbelievable allure of Texas, its culture, and, especially, its people. Spanning generations, A Good Long Drive is proof that life’s journey really is a destination unto itself.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2021

Reviews

[Ben Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

For anyone growing up in Texas , the “4 Country Reporter” and later “Texas Country Reporter” was a weekend late afternoon staple on tv back when we had only 4-5 channels. Local stories about small town Texas and Texans that made you feel good, made you interested in visiting and took everyone back to a more simple time.

The author Bob Phillips is the host of “Country Reporter” and had been since I can remember (early 70’s) .. with a very distinctive voice and style. He makes me remember afternoons at my grandparents watching his show, Or Mutual of Omaha wild kingdom, or Laurence Welk.

The book is interesting as Bob talks about his upbringing in East Dallas (same high school as my mom) and his initiation into and through the Dallas TV market. He also reminisces many old popular eateries/joints and characters of the 70s/80s/90s Dallas.

And then there is story after story of his show participants he remembered and related. And also his relationship and admiration for Charles Kuralt.

What a fun book! I recommend it, especially to Texans.

[Sherlock Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the show. Book is nifty too.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, inspiring read. Highly recommend.

[Marybeth Mank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched his Texas travel show for those 50 years, I expect that this book will be as amazing and entertaining as the show. Over the years, Bob, as well as his lovely wife, have taken viewers to literally all corners if Texas and introduced so many interesting people. Bob is seriously cool at telling stories, not to mention letting all those incredible stories tell themselves. His delightful show can be viewed on the RFD channel. Read this book & prepare to be enthralled, entertained & engaged.

[Madison M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Long Drive was such an amazing book! I loved getting to learn more about Bob’s childhood and how he got to where he is today. A must read for anyone passionate about Texas!

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a Christmas gift (I wanted it), and I was very excited to open it. I don't watch TCR faithfully every week, but when I do get to watch it I hang on every word and enjoy the guests and their stories.

This book is about Bob's lucky break in the media business, and him sharing about his childhood, education and business relationships. He is such a great story teller. He writes like he talks, or it may be the other way around - I don't know now! But I could hear his voice reading some of the excerpts and fascinating stories of meeting people through the years.

Bob's own story is original and pure, but there's something about reading from his perspective that makes me wish he was my neighbor. He tells other peoples stories so well that it seems he'll never run out of good things to talk about. He seeks the good, and I like that about his angle about common, everyday folks like me and you.

The book is divided in short chapters, and then in parts that put the chapters together like a series. I enjoyed every part, but Part 6 was my favorite because he talks about people from the show that have left lasting impressions on him. That's special to recognize the stories don't just end with the TCR episodes. Bob and his crew have cried with, celebrated for and often thought about people they met along the way.

Celebrating 50 years of Texas Country Reporter is a pretty big deal, I can't imagine trying to put everything in one book! Bob does a great job highlighting the main story of how TCR came to life, how it grew and developed, and what TCR means to so many Texans. Don't worry, if you're not a Texan, YOU WILL STILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-fiction. Memoir of Bob Phillips experiences as The Texas Country Reporter for 50 years. I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, he was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1951, and so was I. So his memories of growing up in Dallas evoked memories of my own. Second, I like heartwarming stories about everyday people who do fascinating things or have an interesting story to tell. Third, the chapters are short- so it is a pick up and put down book easily read in brief interludes during the day.

[Ian Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grew up watching the syndicated Texas Country Reporter religiously; Phillips has that innate knack for storytelling that your rarely come across in any medium. Reading this one really evoked some warm nostalgia for my childhood.

[Ed Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watch Texas Country Reporter as often as I can but did not know the story behind the story. Phillips has lead a fascinating life with his career. Not much came easy but it came just the same and he genuinely seems as salt of the earth. If you are a true Texas you need to read his story.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the show for years, I really enjoyed getting to see the history of both Bob Phillips and of Texas Country Reporter. I also learned a lot about Dairy Queen in Texas along the way. I love learning about people's lives and how everyone has some sort of experience in life. Great read!

[Gilbert Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob tells his story and the journey of hosting his dream TV segment. With his own story, he also tells the story of other people he met along the way in his career. His voice is very enjoyable, and it makes the audible a great listen.

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for both long time and casual fans of “Texas Country Reporter” who have ever wanted to know more about the pleasant and relatable everyman, Bob Phillips.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that so many of the areas referenced are areas that I have visited with my family. We are looking for that slower way of life and this book describes it perfectly.

[Richard Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and inspiring story about one of my favorite television programs, and the heart behind the show. Thank you Bob Philips for telling the story of your show.

[Esther Dushinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook