Sam Platts is a singer, songwriter, and band leader focused on bringing traditional country music to modern audiences. Now based in Central Texas, Sam was raised in the small southern Wyoming town of Saratoga. He grew up watching his father, Scott, play in local bands, and knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a life in music. Sam first stepped on the bus with a touring country act in his early 20’s, and later played lead guitar for Wylie and the Wild West, which took him all over the country and world. After moving to Montana, Sam stepped out with his own band, which he led for many years, playing venues, festivals, and events throughout the region. During this time, he met his wife, Lilly, who became the group’s fiddle player. Looking for a more robust music scene and a closer connection to traditional country music, the couple made the decision to move to central Texas. Since landing in the Lonestar State, they have built a strong presence, backed by a five piece honky tonk band. They split their time between playing venues and dancehalls in the state, and traveling to Western music events throughout the country. Sam’s songwriting is inspired by his roots in the West, his family’s history, rural community, Texas dancehalls, Western Swing, and traditional country music. While his music is guided by these traditions, Sam has always been focused on creating something new, and connecting with modern audiences. Sam recorded his latest album — Right Where I Belong — at Tommy Detamore’s Cherry Ridge Studios, which will be released in early 2026.

Lilly Platts, who has been in Sam’s band for 10 years, grew up in a ranching family in southwest Montana. She started playing fiddle at the age of four, and has remained focused on Texas style and western swing playing. Lilly has won numerous competitions, including the adult division at the Bob Wills Fiddle Festival in Greenville, Texas, and the Montana State Open championship. She started with Sam’s band by filling in during her time at Montana State University, eventually becoming a full-time member. A few years into being a member of the band she and Sam started dating. They eventually got married in Elko, Nevada, during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Lilly has since stepped in to fill many roles for the group, handling the behind-the-scenes tasks, in addition to playing fiddle. In addition to music, she stays connected to her roots in ranching through her work as managing editor for a cattle breed association, and as a freelance writer. She writes a column for the Western Ag Reporter called In the Swing of Things, which can be read here.