The Wagoneers, a neo-traditional country band, were founded in Austin, Texas in 1986. The original lineup included Monte Warden on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Brent Wilson on lead guitar and backing vocals, Craig Allan Pettigrew on bass, and Thomas A. Lewis Jr. on drums. They performed at the inaugural SXSW music festival in 1987 and were subsequently signed to A&M Records. Their debut album, Stout & High, was released in 1988 and featured notable singles "I Wanna Know Her Again" and "I Confess". The band's energetic blend of honky-tonk and rockabilly influenced the emerging Americana and alt-country movements. They performed internationally, appearing on shows like Austin City Limits and Nashville Now, and at venues such as The Grand Ole Opry.
