Houston, Texas – For Houston radio host Katelyn Maida, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage was a career milestone and a family legacy come full circle. The 93Q Country morning show host is known for her raw, open style on Riggs, Katelyn and Erica, but on that night, the spotlight was on her and her boots.
Not just any boots—custom, hand-tooled Opry-themed boots made by her brothers, inspired by a pair her grandfather, “Big Sal” Maida, crafted for Gene Autry in 1942. Those original boots were worn by the “Singing Cowboy” himself during his Opry performances.
“To walk onto that stage in boots that carried my family’s history—and to have my 84-year-old dad in the audience—was truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” Katelyn shares.
Maida’s connection to Houston runs as deep as her ties to country music. A 5th-generation Houstonian, University of Houston grad, and daughter of the city’s legendary boot-making family, Katelyn actually started as an intern on 93Q and is now waking up her hometown every morning on one of its biggest stations.
Beyond radio, she’s a busy mom of two toddler boys, balancing life on-air with life at home. Also, with 93Q’s biggest event of the year, the Star Party, right around the corner, she’s got plenty to keep Houston listening.
Follow her journey on Instagram at @radiokatelyn.