When Wide Cut Country began in 2000, host Allison Brock had a vision for the program. “The root of it was great country, roots, and Americana music that wasn’t being played. I thought, this stuff needs to be heard.”
She didn’t want to play the music you could hear on commercial country and western stations. “I really believed that if people could hear the old stuff—and and the new stuff that sounds like the old stuff—it would work.” Brock mentions Iris DeMent, John Prine, and Emmylou Harris as artists who were making music that appealed to her. “There were people doing real country, but doing it differently. And I believed the CKUA audience would be right there with me if I played that.”
That vision has led many CKUA listeners to tell Brock, “I didn’t like country music until I heard your program.”
To explore the story of how Wide Cut Country began, we spoke with Brian Dunsmore, who was CKUA’s Program Director in the late 1990s. He says that he, CEO Ken Regan, and host David Ward were always bouncing ideas around, wondering what CKUA’s listeners would enjoy. “Urban country was the rage at the time, and it was very produced,” says Dunsmore. “We had a different idea. David Ward put together an evening of country music, spinning old records and different styles of country music. It got a very positive response, so we planned to launch a program.”
However, as Dunsmore notes, “It’s one thing to have the idea. It’s another thing to find the person to make it work.”
It was David Ward who told Dunsmore about Allison Brock. “’You have to meet her,’ David said, and when we met, I knew instantly that Allison was the one to bring this show to CKUA,” says Dunsmore. “She had done radio, and she had a terrific understanding of this music. She knew the tradition, in America and in Canada. And it was successful, right from the start. She has done a great job.”
Fast forward 25 years and Wide Cut Country has become one of CKUA’s most beloved programs. Every week is a mix of music legends and rising stars, with a particular affection for local and emerging artists from western Canada. And Brock has interviewed some of the biggest names in country music: Merle Haggard, Rosanne Cash, Guy Clark, Ricky Skaggs, and more. If you want to know how far Brock’s reach extends, just look at the artists who are here to congratulate her.
“I wanted to send a little note to congratulate you on 25 years at CKUA. Wide Cut Country is a very important show. All through the years, Allison, you have been so good to us—Blue Rodeo as a band, and myself. It’s a really amazing accomplishment. You are a wonderful person with great ears and a great smile, so congratulations!” – Jim Cuddy
“I am forever grateful for the support Allison has given me over the years. I have gained many new fans thanks to her. I often have people approach me at my shows and tell me they first heard me on Wide Cut Country. Allison gives emerging and local artists the opportunity to level up their fan base to a much farther reach by spinning us on her show. Congratulations on 25 years! Thank you, Allison!” – Shaela Miller
“Congratulations, Allison, to you and to the entire staff and all the supporters of CKUA! 25 years is a fantastic milestone. Here’s to the next 25!” – Rosanne Cash
“Wide Cut Country offers an insightful look into Allison’s heart and soul; her ‘wide’ song selections, knowledge and care for music and artists week after week are obvious signs of her passion and promotion of international artists and especially Alberta-based songwriters. I am honoured that someone of her music prowess and credibility continues to speak highly of my songs. In fundraising campaigns, quality programming and her genuine support to artists and listeners, Allison has become a trustworthy and remarkable asset to CKUA and the community. Here’s to another 25 years and introducing more new and old songs and their back stories to a ‘wide’ and growing audience!” – Tim Isberg
CKUA colleagues also recognize what she brings to the airwaves, and how much she champions the bands and artists. Terry David Mulligan says simply, “She has a great ear. She knows when the singer is really singing, and when the song is well written. If you get Allison on board, you have a friend for life.”
Mulligan also knows that she shines during fundraisers. “I love being in the room with her. Her enthusiasm is heartfelt. She talks directly to the listener. We know that people are in their kitchens or in their cars, and we talk straight to that audience.”
And, when it comes time to refresh the financial total live on the air, Mulligan knows that her enthusiasm is unmatched. “I call it the rebel yell. I have to take my headphones off!”
Bluegrass Hour host Darcy Whiteside says, “Nine times out of ten when someone recognizes that I have a program on CKUA, I am bound to hear ‘and I like your program too.’ Because inevitably they are going to tell me how much they love Wide Cut Country with Allison Brock. I don’t blame them. It’s my favourite program, too. Don’t tell the other CKUA hosts.”
He adds, “Whether it’s Allison’s taste, her vast knowledge, or some magic she possesses, she’s able to curate a perfect program, week after week, that people love. I feel like one of Allison’s special powers has been creating this community of listeners that values and trusts her taste in music. She levels the playing field, as her only criterion is that the music has to be good. So when an emerging local artist is included in that golden playlist, they get a unique opportunity to be exposed to a devoted fan base. I know many listeners who got to hear their favourite Alberta artist for the first time on Wide Cut Country.”
Jasmine Vickaryous says that Wide Cut Country has shaped her taste in music, and her approach to her own CKUA program, The Wild Card. “Saturday mornings just wouldn’t feel right without Wide Cut Country. The show takes me right back to listening to the radio with my family, where my love of country music started. As someone new to hosting my own country-ish show, I’ve looked up to Allison Brock in a big way. I’ve learned so much from Wide Cut Country’s playlist and stories. Allison’s passion and knowledge of country music come through in every broadcast, and her impact on both the industry and listeners is huge. Congrats on 25 years of championing the music we love! Here’s to many more.”
For her part, Brock finds it hard to believe that Wide Cut Country really is celebrating this anniversary. “Oh man,” she says. “It seems bizarre that it’s 25 years. It went so fast. It flew by.” She loves the connections she makes with listeners through email, fundraisers, donated hours, and at festivals and concerts. “As you develop relationships with the audience, they turn you on to new music, too. Sometimes listeners make recommendations. It’s a two-way street.”
Thank you, Allison, for 25 years of Wide Cut Country. All of us at CKUA wish you the best!
During the second hour of This Just In, Allison Brock will be Amy van Keeken’s guest. Tune in Friday, March 7, 10am – 11am MT.
Tune in to CKUA on Saturday, March 8, for a special episode of Wide Cut Country. Allison will be live in the Calgary Foundation Studio, with special guests Tom Phillips and Shaye Zadravec, plus a conversation with Mary Gauthier.
We’d love to hear your stories, wishes, and musical suggestions for Allison Brock. Simply send an email to feedback@ckua.com. You can also text-message CKUA directly at 1-800-494-2582.
