Del Rio’s closest thing to Johnny Cash, William Beckmann blends classic country with Tejano, constantly crediting his border town upbringing. The 30-year-old wears his influences on his pearl-snap sleeve, especially in latest album Whiskey Lies & Alibis, from co-writing with Rhett Akins to covering Pepe Aguilar’s “Por Mujeres Como Tú” in the closing track. Between his crying guitar and harmonica, Beckmann’s whiskey-smooth voice draws audiences in, taking them back to the honky-tonk tales country legends are made of. – Flora Belle Farr
