Texas Music Journal

Texas Music Fans Prepare for Double Dose of Murphey

Sam Moore — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:12:07 +0000

LINDEN, TEXAS – The Academy of Texas Music will present ‘Memorial Day Cowboys’ featuring Michael Martin Murphey on Monday, May 28 at The Texas Music Barn, 301 E. Houston St. in Linden, with a second show, ‘The Cosmic Cowboy Revival’ on Wednesday, May 30.

Monday’s events will start at 1:00 p.m. and continue all day with the Michael Martin Murphey concert at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday’s concert will not begin until 8:00 p.m. as Michael Martin Murphey was insistent that the show allowed ticket holders to attend church prior to the concert.

The shows are a continuation of Murphey’s Cosmic Cowboy Revival tour through Texas, starting in mid-May and running through early June. Appearing with Murphey will be Ryan Murphey and Herb Steiner. The Monday show will also feature other cowboy-themed acts including cowboy singer, Grady Lee of Marshall, and cowboy poet and author, Lloyd Shelby of Crosby.

All of the performers have a special connection to the Academy of Texas Music, Inc. Michael Martin Murphey, a member since 2006, has been nominated for several Texas Music Awards and received honors for Song of the Year in 2007, Entertainer of the Year in 2009, and the Carl T. Sprague Award in 2011.

Ryan Murphey, a member since 2009, is also a multiple Texas Music Award nominee and received Producer of the Year honors in 2010 as well as performing at the 2009 and 2012 awards shows.

Herb Steiner was part of the famous Cosmic Cowboy Band reunion concert at the 2009 Texas Music Awards, which staged the popular group including Bob Livingston, Michael Martin Murphey, Craig Hillis, and Gary P. Nunn, for the first time in thirty-seven years. The group has performed several times since the reunion.

Grady Lee and Lloyd Shelby have been members of the Academy since 2001 and 2002, respectively.

Lucky Boyd, Chairman of the Academy of Texas Music, Inc. states, “This will be an intimate listening opportunity. The farthest seat from the stage inside The Texas Music Barn is only thirty-six feet. The sound system is perfect and past attendees have marveled at the sound because it’s tasteful and not too loud. It has been called the best new concert house in Texas and we’re proud of that.”

When asked if he would perform at the Monday event, veteran musician Lucky Boyd remarked, “I’m sure they’ll talk me into it. Whenever there’s a stage, a guitar, and an opportunity to sing to [my wife] Jinelle, I’m there.”

Tickets range from $50 to $65 and can be purchased online at www.texasmusicbarn.com or by calling 800-959-5796 and leaving a message. Only 120 tickets will be sold for each event. The full concession stand will be open with a variety of food choices.

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Free Texas Music Series Preparing to Kick Off in Arlington

Sam Moore — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:17:55 +0000

Summer means lots of things, but in Downtown Arlington, summer has come to mean free music five nights a week from Memorial Day weekend to July 3. This year, the Levitt Pavilion is kicking off summer and free music under the stars in a big way with the first Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival — three days of food, fun and free music May 25, 26 and 27.

It all starts on Friday, May 25, with the cowboy crooner best known for “Wildfire,” Michael Martin Murphey at 8 p.m. sponsored by Downtown Arlington Management Corp. The music that day starts at 5:30 p.m. with Jason Eady, followed by Hudson Moore at 7 p.m. The second day of the festival starts at 4:30 p.m. with Charlie Shafter, followed by Arlington’s own Maren Morris, then John David Kent, all leading up to the 8 p.m. performance by legendary Texas troubadour and master storyteller, Ray Wylie Hubbard, sponsored by Union Pacific. The festival closes May 27 with Crystal Yates at 4:30 p.m., followed by Ghosts Along the Brazos and The Damn Quails before the Grammy-winning kings of Texas swing, Asleep at the Wheel, at 8 p.m., sponsored by the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Along with the music performances, there will be art vendors as well as food trucks and drinks. The Downtown Arlington Center Stage Music Festival is also sponsored by Texas Power, J. Gilligan’s and Coors.

The Levitt Pavilion’s Texas Power 2012 Summer Concert Series starts its regular Wednesday through Sunday music schedule on Wednesday, May 30, with Children’s Concerts every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The concerts on Thursday through Sunday begin at 8 p.m.

Levitt audiences are seated on open lawn seating on blankets and chairs. They are welcome to bring picnics, snacks and coolers with beverages, just no glass containers. Some concessions are available at the pavilion for purchase.

The Levitt Pavilion is located in Downtown Arlington at 100 W. Abram St. at the corner of Abram and Center streets. A complete Summer Concert Series schedule is on the Levitt Pavilion website, www.levittpavilionarlington.org, along with information about visiting the pavilion, directions and a parking map, and detailed information about all of the musical artists.

The Texas Power 2012 Summer Concert Series, May 25 through July 3, is sponsored by: Levitt Pavilions, the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, Texas Power, Union Pacific, the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the Arlington Tourism Council, Chesapeake Energy, the Arlington Chamber Foundation, Arlington Parks & Recreation, the City of Arlington, the Star-Telegram, the Texas Commission on the Arts, Sheraton Arlington, Pianotex and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Texas Music Series Features Don Williams

Sam Moore — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:28:35 +0000

Texas singer-songwriters Max Stalling at Matt Hillyer will perform with the one of the legends who influenced their styles, Don Williams, in the next Threadgill Series Concert in Greenville.

The concert takes place Tuesday, June 19 at 7:30pm in the Greenville Municipal Auditorium.

Williams is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He has had 17 #1 hits. He will celebrate the release of his first album in eight years, with his visit to Greenville to headline the Threadgill series.

Born in Florida in 1939, Williams grew up near Corpus Christi. He was playing guitar by age 12, and performed in bands as a teenager. Between 1974 and 1991, Williams had at least one major hit every year. He was the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year in 1978. His “Tulsa Time” was the ACM Record of the Year for 1979.

“And So It Goes” will be available from Sugar Hill on June 19.

Tickets for the concert are now on sale through the GMA website, www.showtimeatthegma.com or by calling 877-435-9849.

Texas Music Legend Still Recuperating

Sam Moore — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:20:44 +0000

Texas music native and country music Hall of Fame member George Jones is recuperating from upper respiratory infection and continues to rest at his Franklin, Tennessee home.

Although, Mr. Jones is doing much better, doctors are ordering mandatory recovery time forcing all tour dates through May 20th, including the entire Canadian run to be postponed.

Hall and Oates Coming to North Texas Music Venue

Sam Moore — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:29:17 +0000

The number one selling duo in music history, Daryl Hall & John Oates return to North Texas for the first time since 2005 to play Allen Event Center, September 10.

Tickets will go on sale Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. through ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at Allen Event Center Box Office: 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen, TX 75002.

Starting out as devoted disciples of earlier soul greats, Daryl Hall & John Oates are soul survivors in their own right. Undeniably influential in the realm of pop music for their unique fusion of Philly soul and rock ’n’ roll, Daryl Hall and John Oates are revered for their individual songwriting talents, but as a duo, their ageless chemistry, soulful melodies and infectious pop hooks are absolutely legendary.

They have become such musical influences on some of today’s popular artists that a Spin Magazine headline read: “Why Hall and Oates are the New Velvet Underground.” Much like Lou Reed and company, Daryl Hall and John Oates have inspired a wide range of artists including Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and Cee Lo Green. One of the most sampled artists today, their impact can be heard everywhere from boy band harmonies to neo-soul to rap-rock fusion.

Signed to Atlantic by Ahmet Ertegan in the 1970’s, Daryl Hall & John Oates’ 1973 debut album, Abandoned Luncheonette, produced by Arif Mardin, yielded the Top 10 single, “She’s Gone,” which also went to #1 on the R&B charts when it was covered by Taveras. The duo recorded one more album with Atlantic, War Babies, (produced by Todd Rundgren) before they were dropped and promptly signed to RCA. Their tenure at RCA would catapult the duo to international superstardom.

From the mid-’70s to the mid-’80s, the duo would score six #1 singles, including “Rich Girl” (also #1 R&B), “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do) (also #1 R&B), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch” from their six consecutive multi-platinum albums—’76’s Bigger Than Both of Us, ’80’s Voices, ’81’s Private Eyes, ‘82’s H2O, ‘83’s Rock N Soul, Part I and ‘84’s Big Bam Boom. The era would also produce an additional 5 Top 10 singles, “Sara Smile,” “One on One,” “You Make My Dreams,” “Say It Isn’t So” and “Method of Modern Love.”

Daryl also wrote the H&O single “Everytime You Go Away,” which singer Paul Young scored a number-one hit with a cover of the song in 1985.That same year, Daryl and John, participated in the historic “We Are the World” session as well as closing the Live Aid show in Philadelphia.

By 1987, the R.I.A.A. recognized Daryl Hall and John Oates as the Number One Selling Duo in music history, a record they still hold today. More recent accolades include being honored with the Icon Award during BMI’s 56th annual Pop Awards in 2008. The award has previously gone to the Bee Gees, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Paul Simon, Brian Wilson, Willie Nelson, James Brown, Ray Davies, Carlos Santana and Dolly Parton.

Daryl Hall’s latest project is an award-winning monthly web series (and nationally syndicated TV show), Live from Daryl’s House, Live from Daryl’s House. Past episodes of Live From Daryl’s House have featured a mix of well-known performers like T and the MGs, Blind Boys of Alabama, Rob Thomas, Train, Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger, and Ray Manzarek, Toots Hibbert, Nick Lowe, K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren, Keb Mo, Dave Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzenik and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump along with newcomers such as Nikki Jean, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Eric Hutchinson, Chromeo, Matt Nathanson, Parachute, Plain White T’s, Allen Stone, soul diva Sharon Jones, Diane Birch, Fitz & the Tantrums, Neon Trees and Guster.
In the fall of 2008, John Oates released his critically acclaimed solo album, 1000 Miles of Life. John dedicated the album to three inspired individuals who had recently passed away, but were major influences in his career—producer Arif Mardin (who produced Hall & Oates’ first two albums on Atlantic Records), Jerry Lynn Williams (a writer who contributed songs to Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King, among others) and his original guitar mentor Jerry Ricks, who introduced him to the roots blues/folk scene in Philadelphia in the late ‘60s.

In April of 2011, John Oates released his solo album, Mississippi Mile on Elektra Records. People Magazine gave the album 3 out of 4 stars. Five months later, Daryl released another solo album, Laughing Down Crying, on Verve Records. The albums have received critical acclaim from such outlets as the Huffington Post, Spinner and Pop Matters, who said of Laughing Down Crying: “With the songs that make up this fine collection of American soul and pop music, Hall proves that with the pen and at the mic, his voice is more than capable of reaching the depths and heights of emotional truth.”

Most recently, Daryl Hall & John Oates released their first box set, Do What You Want, Be What You Are: The Music of Daryl Hall & John Oates. The box set marks the first comprehensive multi-CD, multi-label deluxe box set compilation ever assembled from their entire career’s work, four CDs containing 74 tracks (16 of them previously unreleased).

For more information about Daryl Hall and John Oates’ upcoming performance at Allen Event Center on September 10, visit alleneventcenter.com. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. through ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at Allen Event Center Box Office: 200 E. Stacy Road #1350 Allen, TX 75002.

Texas Music Star Releases New Single

Sam Moore — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:17:44 +0000

Texas music star Neal McCoy has released his new single, “Shotgun Rider”, which is being added to radio station playlists nationwide. This latest single is from Neal’s twelfth career album, appropriately titled XII, which was produced by Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and renowned guitarist Brent Rowan.

Written by hit songwriters Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Keith Anderson and Ben Hayslip, “Shotgun Rider” is an uptempo, feel-good song about asking your girl to take a ride in your truck and spending time together.

“No matter how far or how short the drive, it’s always better to have someone you really like, Ridin’ Shotgun with you, than going it alone,” commented McCoy about the new single.

Levitt Holds Benefit for Tornado Victims

Sam Moore — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:51:51 +0000

A free benefit concert this Saturday at the Levitt Pavilion will help raise funds for those who suffered damages and losses because of the tornados that touched down in Arlington and the surrounding area last week. The concert is free, but cash donations will be collected to be dispersed through the local Salvation Army for those in need.

Melissa Lawson

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with the Salvation Army Band. Betty Buckley, Tony Award-winning actress and recording artist will perform, followed by Melissa Lawson, Arlington country music artist who won NBC’s Nashville Star.

No clothing or food will be collected. Officials at the Salvation Army say that they have more than enough of those items. Cash donations will be collected and used for a variety of needs for those who suffered damages and losses who were not insured or underinsured.

Those attending the concert should bring lawn chairs and blankets to use on the lawn. Picnics and coolers are welcome, but no glass containers.

Smiles Charity Preparing for Their Next Big Show

Sam Moore — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:13:26 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following comes from a charity I have seen in action. Smiles Charity is a group of people who are constantly working to help those in need. And the concerts are always fantastic!

The 2012 Smiles Charity Concert and Festival will be held Sunday May 27th 5:00-10:00 pm at the Adriatica outdoor concert venue. This year’s headlining act is Grammy nominee David Nail.

Also appearing on stage will be local favorites Maylee Thomas Band and teen band sensation, Lantic. The Memorial Day concert event will include a flyover by WWII era planes; kids’ area with bounce houses, games, and activities; local food and drink vendors; veterans’ wall dedicated to fallen Texas military heroes; and spectacular fireworks display.

The concert event is made possible by local sponsors Torchmark, Raytheon, Crest Auto Group, Dr. Buchanan Orthodontics, Baylor Medical Center McKinney, and Simpson Strong-Tie. Their support allows Smiles Charity to organize an event which draws thousands together for a great cause.

While admission is free, Smiles Charity will be accepting donations throughout the event to help build homes for severely wounded veterans. Cash and credit cards will be accepted for all donations, concessions, and $5 entrance fee for the kids’ area. Net proceeds from this year’s event will help build mortgage-free homes for Andrew Litz and Augie Pena. Please visit www.smilescharity.org for more information about how these two patriots not only served their country in combat, but also as hometown heroes upon their returns.

Supporters are encouraged to volunteer during the concert as hundreds of volunteers are needed to make the concert and festival a safe and successful event. Please register to volunteer at www.smilescharity.org and click on the volunteer tab.

Celebrate Memorial Day in McKinney on Sunday May 27th while enjoying this family-friendly concert and show your support for America’s military heroes with a generous donation. The concert will be held rain or shine. Feel free to bring blankets and lawn chairs, but coolers and pets are not allowed.

Smiles Charity was founded in 2008 to help build homes for local families in need, with current housing projects for wounded veterans. The results are tangible: Three homes have been built, three more are under construction and nearing completion, and two more homes will be started in 2012. Its mission is to bring the community together to change the world one home, one family at a time.

For more information about Smiles Charity, its mission, and its beneficiaries please visit www.smilescharity.org.

Levitt Advisory Board Member Brings Broadway to Texas

Sam Moore — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:39:31 +0000

The Levitt Pavilion in Arlington continues to show it is a showplace of diversity. The latest example is Broadway – Texas style.

Tony Award-winning star Betty Buckley is a Levitt Pavilion Advisory Board member, as well as a home grown star. She will perform the show she debuted in New York City last year, “Ah, Men! The Boys of Broadway” on April 18, 19 and 21 at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. She will be joined by pianist Christian Jacobs.

The show includes some of Betty’s favorite songs sung by men in her favorite Broadway shows, including Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeny Todd, My Fair Lady and South Pacific.

Tickets are $45 each. They can be purchased online, or by calling 1-866-499-2787. Follow the link below to see highlights from the show.

Texas Music Club Also Wins at ACM Awards

Sam Moore — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:15:35 +0000

By Sam Moore

When I heard that the Eli Young Band had won an ACM Award for its song, “Crazy Girl,” I contacted our friends at Billy Bob’s Texas to get their comment. After all, the band had debuted the song on the stage of the world’s largest honky tonk.

Little did I know that Billy Bob’s had a prize of its own!

The ACM Club of the Year Award went to Billy Bob’s Texas. I found out from Pam Minick. She said they were in the audience Sunday night in Las Vegas. That must have been an incredible experience. She said they are excited about their award. They are also very proud of the Denton band, who chose to use Billy Bob’s to launch “Crazy Girl.”

“We are so proud of The Eli Young Band on their ACM song of the year award for ‘Crazy Girl,’” said Pam. ” Watching them grow as the ‘hometown’ favorites here in the Fort Worth area has been an incredible journey. ‘Crazy Girl’ was well received by the audience on New Years Eve 2010 here at Billy Bob’s, and the nation got on the Eli Young ‘Bandwagon’! We look forward to their continued success and appearances here at The World’s Largest Honky Tonk.”

Eli Young Leads Texas Music Flavor at ACM Awards

Sam Moore — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:23:23 +0000

By Sam Moore

Talk about a fee-good story!

The Eli Young Band became the latest in a long line of Texas acts to receive national acclaim. Last night, “Crazy Girl” won for Best Song in the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

The four guys from Denton were not the only Texas winners. Miranda Lambert won for Best Female Vocalist and Best Album. And Kelly Clarkson was honored for Special Event, for her participation in “Don’t You Want To Stay” with Jason Aldean.

I was fortunate enough to hear the debut of “Crazy Girl.” Dec. 31, 2010, at Billy Bob’s New Year’s Eve Party in Fort Worth, Mike Eli announced to the sold-out crowd that they were about to perform their new song in public for the first time. When “Crazy Girl” ended, everyone knew they had just heard something special. Last night merely validated that.

Mike Eli chose last night’s acceptance to echo what he has told every crowd at every performance: If you really believe in something, and really want it, it can come true. And last night, it came true for the Eli Young Band. Congratulations!

Performances to Benefit Relatives of Bugs Henderson

Sam Moore — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:16:52 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following comes from Randy Tredway. He runs “In the Music Room,” a listening room in Waxahachie. Performances this weekend are to raise money to help pay for medical expenses for Bug Henderson, who died earlier this month.)

This picture is Bugs Henderson’s Jack Daniels bottle that he left behind his amp at his July 9th 2011 In The Music Room studio concert (he was to sign it Mar 24) – I shot this picture the day he died in the studio – Bugs was to play here March 24th, he will be here in spirit for a fabulous benefit for his family – Brandon Aguillard, who has played in the Shuffle Kings with Bugs for years will be here doing a set of Bugs Henderson’s songs (he knows all the stories) and Swampman Wayne will do two set of rocking blues to honor Bugs Henderson and his family – also performing will be Ann Armstrong, Steve Hughes, Michael “Mudcat” Reames, Ian Dickson, Donna Frost, Steve Brooks, Helen Kennedy and I have a special song for Patty & Bugs. Others are invited to do a song for Bugs – these will all be recorded, mixed and delivered to Patty & Zoey.

NOTE: Music will begin earlier than our normal time, 6:30 and arrival time of 5 PM (instead of our normal 6 PM) rsvp@inthemusicroom.com – we can take VISA & MC.

Texas Music Awards Next Weekend in Linden

Sam Moore — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:36:20 +0000

The 10th Annual Texas Music Awards will return to Linden Saturday, March 24, at the area’s newest venue, The Texas Music Barn, located inside the partially renovated Academy of Texas Music Building at 301 E. Houston St.

This will be the fourth show in Linden, as the city was host in 2006 and 2007 prior to being named as the permanent home in 2011.

The Academy of Texas Music World Headquarters Building, still under renovation by volunteers, is now the permanent home of the annual show, which is not only a high energy awards presentation show, but is the major fundraising event each year for the non-profit academy.

The funds raised are used to further the academy’s efforts toward music education programs, scholarships, recognition projects, and benevolence programs for musicians in need.

The show will have a festival-type feel this year, as there will be additional stages at the Tin Star Steakhouse and at the corner of Rush and Kaufman streets downtown. There will be vendors around the downtown stage.

“We want the community to be involved because we know how much it benefits Linden’s eventual goal of becoming a major musical marketplace,” said Lucky Boyd, co-founder of the academy. “The building, however, belongs to all of Texas with musicians and fans alike from all over the state being involved in the exciting growth process.”

Boyd says the seating capacity in the academy building is quite small, but there are ways around that obstacle, including presenting the show in segments during an all day event.

In addition to the free concerts inside the Tin Star Steakhouse from noon until 6 p.m. and the free outdoor concerts around the courthouse square, the after-party at Auntie Skinner’s Riverboat Club in Jefferson will also be free of admission costs. The party begins at 6 p.m. and will continue until 1 a.m.

The merchandise area will be inside The Armadillo Freight Company at 119 E. Houston, formerly known as the Tanner’s Mercantile building. Fans may purchase tickets to the show, souvenirs, and music by the award nominees.

The academy building, when finished, will house a concert hall, a gift shop, a small museum and library devoted to Texas music, a recording studio, a rehearsal hall, and lodging for touring musicians. There will also be an interactive training space in the venue that will benefit the community in many ways, Boyd said.

Tickets are $10, plus fees, per segment and there are three segments.

For the schedule and ticket information, visit www.texasmusicawards.org or phone 800-959-5796. Interested vendors should contact Alicia Taylor at 903-665-8144.

Daughter of Jones and Wynette Upset Over Tombstone Change

Sam Moore — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:47:59 +0000

The following story comes from cmt.com.

Tammy Wynette’s children say they are very upset over the decision to change the name on her tombstone.

The country singer, who died in 1998, was born Virginia Wynette Pugh, and last year the name on her grave in Tennessee was changed from her stage name to Virginia W Richardson, the title she took when she married George Richey, whose birth name was Richardson.

Wynette’s daughter Georgette Jones-Lennon, from the star’s marriage to George Jones, was told about the alteration by her stepsister Deirdre Richardson-Hale and thought it was just a temporary measure. She also believed the change stemmed from a legal dispute with Richey’s widow, Sheila, whom he married after Wynette’s death.

She tells CMT.com, “Deirdre called my sister and relayed a message to her that it would be legally necessary — just temporarily — for us to change Mom’s name to her maiden name and that (the change) was in regard to things that were going on regarding Sheila, Richey’s widow.

“We did agree, but we wanted Mom’s name to be changed temporarily to her maiden name, which we thought was going to be ‘Virginia Wynette Pugh.’ Of course, as you can see, it was changed to ‘Virginia W Richardson,’ which was not what we agreed to. … I won’t speak for all of us, but I can say my sisters Tina, Jackie and myself are very upset.”

Sheila Richey has also revealed she is angry about the name change, adding, “Sadly, I cannot tell you the reasons why my stepdaughter, Deirdre, would have requested (cemetery officials) to desecrate the resting place of this world-renowned country legend. My late husband, George Richey, had the name her fans knew, Tammy Wynette, placed there after she died in 1998. Over this issue and others, Deirdre and I no longer speak.”

Texas Music Handbook Set for Release

Sam Moore — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:11:48 +0000

Editor’s Note: The following story comes from the San Marcos Record.

Kyle — The Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University, in cooperation with the Texas State Historical Office and Texas Music Office, will release “The Handbook of Texas Music, Second Edition” at the grand opening of the Texas Music Exhibit at the Bullock Texas State History Museum March 17.

The Texas Music Exhibit will run through Oct. 14 at the Bullock Museum.

Building on the work of the original Handbook of Texas Music, published 2003, the new edition offers completely updated entries and features new and expanded coverage of the musicians, ensembles, dance halls, festivals and genres that have helped define the state’s musical legacy.

“The Handbook of Texas Music, Second Edition,” editor Laurie Jasinski will be in attendance, as will Casey Monahan, who wrote the volume’s introduction, Gary Hartman, director of the Center for Texas Music History, and Ann Smith, handbook data management editor. In addition, the Texas Tornados will perform in a free concert on the museum’s plaza.

“Under the supervision of the Center for Texas Music History, dozens of Texas State grad students wrote hundreds of articles for both the original and revised Handbook of Texas Music, the first of which has been showcased by the Smithsonian Institution and others,” Hartman said.

While the book details the lives of musical icons such as Buddy Holly, Bob Wills, Roy Orbison, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Scott Joplin, Janis Joplin and Doug Sahm, equally compelling are lesser-known figures whose talent and dedication significantly contributed to the growth of music in their communities. Evelyn Johnson, for example, provided business savvy and stability behind Don Robey’s Duke-Peacock recording empire in Houston. For years, bandleader Carl Morene mentored and directed students in Schulenburg free of charge. Musician Doc Toler of Central Texas helped keep alive the novel legacy of the medicine show.

Supported by an outstanding team of music advisors from across the state, “The Handbook of Texas Music, Second Edition,” furnishes new articles on the music festivals, museums and halls of fame in Texas, as well as the many honky-tonks, concert halls and clubs, big and small, that invite readers to explore their own musical journeys.

For more information, visit www.TSHAonline.org or call (940) 369-5200.

Bugs Henderson Dies

Sam Moore — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:07:41 +0000

(Editor’s Note: The following story comes from the Fort Worth Star Telegram)

FORT WORTH — Bugs Henderson was about as linked into the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene as you could get.

The guitarist, who grew up in Tyler and formed his first band when he was 16, was a fixture at Fort Worth clubs such as The Cellar and J&J’s Blues Bar and Arlington’s Fatso’s.

But Mr. Henderson, who died Thursday of cancer at age 68, played with big names as well — B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent. His guitar prowess made him a star in Europe, but he was happy to live the modest life in Texas, where he could spend time with his family and have control over his music.

“A lot of my fans think I don’t want to make it or I’m perfectly content and don’t want any more,” Mr. Henderson told the Star-Telegram in 1994. “It’s partially true — I’m not waiting for the phone to ring or worrying if I’m going to be on MTV. I’m not obsessed with it. If you have a job you love, you’re way ahead of the game.”

After Mr. Henderson received a cancer diagnosis last year, area musicians banded together in support. He was supposed to play a Dec. 9 gig at Fort Worth’s McDavid Studio, but when news of his cancer came out, the show became a benefit for him featuring Dave Millsap, the Stratoblasters, Bill Hamm, Jay Boy Adams, Junior & the Journeymen, Danny Sanchez and Buddy Whittington. Another benefit was just this past Sunday at Dallas’ Palladium Ballroom.

Millsap, a Fort Worth-based singer-guitarist, said he first encountered Mr. Henderson in the 1970s when he and a friend went to see Delbert McClinton in Dallas. Mr. Henderson was sitting in, and Millsap and his friend were astounded.

“A couple of years ago, he asked me to play on one of his records,” Millsap said. “At the end of the session, he was paying me, and he was saying … ‘I wish I could pay you more, this isn’t much.’ I said, ‘Are you kidding me? If you told me 30 years ago that I’d be standing here receiving money for playing on your record, I would’ve told you you were dreaming, man.’”

Mr. Henderson was born in Palm Springs, Calif., on Oct. 20, 1943, and grew up in Tyler. According to his website, when he was a teenager, he would sneak out of the house to watch bands play in Tyler joints. He formed his own band, the Sensores, when he was 16. He later joined a friend, Ronnie Weiss, in Mouse and the Traps.

Mr. Henderson’s real name was Buddy, but he earned the nickname Bugs while playing in the band, and it stuck. Mr. Henderson moved to Dallas-Fort Worth in the 1970s, eventually forming his own band, the Shuffle Kings.

Mr. Henderson had a reputation for helping out younger musicians. Danny Ross, owner of the southwest Fort Worth club Keys Lounge and a blues musician himself, remembers seeing Mr. Henderson with one of his bands, Fancy Space & the Rockin’ Rhythm Daddies, when Ross was in college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

“I was just learning to play,” Ross said. “I went up and asked him, ‘Do you care if I sit in?’ ‘No, come on!’ And people don’t do that. Even if you’re good, a lot of bands don’t want you doing that. But he let me set up my piano by him and just jam.”

Ross said that when Mr. Henderson played the Keys Lounge last year, Ross reminded him of the incident, and Mr. Henderson said he remembered it.

Millsap remembered that at a benefit a few years ago, he and James Pennebaker were playing guitar, and Mr. Henderson came onstage, stretched out his arms and played both their guitars — while they were playing them.

“He was a bluesman to the core,” Millsap said. “That’s why Freddie King and Eric Clapton loved him so much. But Bugs took it a little further out of the box. Bugs was a showman. He was a hell of a guitar player, but he could put on a show, too”

Several videos of Mr. Henderson playing live, as well as recordings of Mouse and the Traps, are available on YouTube. Videos are also available on Mr. Henderson’s website, www.bugshenderson.com

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/10/3800606/bugs-henderson-local-blues-guitar.html#storylink=cpy

Sarah Jaffe Releases New Single

Sam Moore — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 21:44:34 +0000

Texas music sensation Sarah Jaffe has released a sneak preview of her new album.

Called “The Body Wins,” the collection features the track “Talk.” The first single, “Glorified High,” was released Tuesday. It is now available for download from iTunes and Amazon.

This has been a busy week for Jaffe. In addition to the release, she has joined with New Multitudes for a handful of West Coast dates. She will head back to Texas in time for SXSW. She also has appearances at The Parish in Austin on May 4 and the Granada in Dallas on May 5.

Popular Texas Music Festival Announces Lineup of Artists

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:11:41 +0000

An exceptional lineup of roots, bluegrass and Americana artists will perform at the 25th annual Old Settler’s Music Festival Thursday, April 19, through Sunday, April 22, at the Salt Lick BBQ Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in the Texas Hill Country, just south of Austin on FM 1826.

Four-day wristbands with campground access, three-day wristbands with and without campground access, single-day wristbands and all-inclusive platinum passes are available at a discount through April 6 via oldsettlersmusicfest.org or frontgatetickets.com. Prices will increase after April 6. Single-day wristbands for Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21, will be available at the gate for $65 per day. Sunday tickets are also available for $30. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Camping access always sells out, so early purchasing is recommended for those planning to enjoy the full experience.

The festival’s slogan is “real music done right,” but that’s not all Old Settler’s offers. Attractions include workshops, sing-alongs, campground-stage jam sessions, kids’ activities, a market area full of unique arts and crafts, specialty foods and brews and of course, the Youth Talent Competition, where the headliners of tomorrow might gain early recognition.

The performance schedule is as follows. Check the website for workshop announcements.

THURSDAY
Camp Ben McCulloch Stage
5-6:15 p.m., Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
6:30-7:30 p.m., SHEL
7:45-9 p.m., Slim Richey’s Jitterbug Vipers
9:15-10:30 p.m., Steep Canyon Rangers
10:45 p.m. to midnight, Ha Ha Tonka

FRIDAY
Hill Country Stage
4-4:45 p.m., Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
5-5:45 p.m., Grace London
6-7 p.m., Wheeler Brothers
7:15-8:30 p.m., Lissie
9-10:30 p.m., Amos Lee
10:45 p.m. to midnight, Railroad Earth

Bluebonnet Stage
4-5:15 p.m., Ha Ha Tonka
5:30- 6:45 p.m., Steep Canyon Rangers
7-8:15 p.m., Pine Leaf Boys
8:30-9:45 p.m., Psychograss
10:15-11:30 p.m., James McMurtry

SATURDAY
Hill Country Stage
11-11:45 a.m., New Country Rehab
Noon to 1 p.m., The Blue Hit
1:15-2:15 p.m., Audie Blaylock & Redline
2:30-3:45 p.m., Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit
4-5:15 p.m., Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
5:30-6:45 p.m., Gaelic Storm
7-8:15 p.m., Sarah Jarosz
8:45-10 p.m., JJ Grey & Mofro
10:30 p.m. to midnight, Iron & Wine

Bluebonnet Stage
11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Youth Talent Competition
1:50-2:20 p.m., Youth Competition Winner
2:30-3:30 p.m., Dale Ann Bradley
3:45-5 p.m., Marshall Crenshaw
5:15-6:30 p.m., Psychograss
6:45-7:45 p.m., Bottle Rockets
8-9 p.m., Greensky Bluegrass
9:30-10:45 p.m., Bob Schneider
11 p.m. to midnight, Flounders without Eyes

SUNDAY
Camp Ben McCulloch Stage
11-11:45 a.m., Sam Baker
Noon to 12:45 p.m., New Country Rehab
1-2 p.m., Eilen Jewell
2:15-3:30 p.m., Greensky Bluegrass
3:45-5 p.m., Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

A one-of-a-kind music festival experience, Old Settler’s offers bluegrass, roots and Americana acts performing on four stages over four days, along with camping in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Many festival-goers return annually for amazing shows by award-winning artists such as Buddy Miller, Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Bruce Hornsby, Yonder Mountain String Band, Nickel Creek, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Bela Fleck and David Grisman, and favorite Austinites like Joe Ely, Patty Griffin, Alejandro Escovedo, Sarah Jarosz and The Gourds.

The festival is sponsored by Lone Star Bank SSB, Public Citizen Inc., Birkenstock, KUT-FM, 93.3 KGSR, The Greensheet, Collings Guitars Inc., KT Technology Services, University Federal Credit Union, Level Best Foundation Repair, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Duchman Family Winery and All American Recycling.

For more information, visit www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Eli Young Band Tops Texas Music Charts

Sam Moore — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:32:22 +0000

The incredible roll that the members of the Eli Young Band find themselves in is still going strong.

“Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” their latest release, has already reached the top of the Texas music charts. This follows the success of “Crazy Girl,” the Denton-based group’s first national number-one hit.

To see the entire chart results for this week, visit http://www.texasmusicchart.com/Pages/Chart.htm.

Craig Morgan Planning to Bring Some Texas Music Smiles

Sam Moore — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:26:14 +0000

As a predecessor to the hugely successful Smiles Charity Concert and Festival held annually over Memorial Day weekend, Smiles Charity proudly presents An Evening with Craig Morgan at the McKinney Performing Arts Center on Friday March 23rd at 7:30 pm.

Craig Morgan’s current hit single, the title track to his new CD “This Ole Boy” is rapidly climbing the country music charts. He’s also the award-winning host of Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel. Craig will entertain concertgoers with his many hits including “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” and “This Ain’t Nothin’.”

The first 100 tickets sold will also qualify for a chance to attend a meet and greet session with the veteran and country music star. Tickets will include a dessert reception, drinks, and a silent auction and can be purchased online at www.smilescharity.org under the “Events” tab. Net proceeds from the evening will go toward building homes for two severely wounded veterans designated as Smiles Charity’s 2012 beneficiaries, Augie Pena and Andrew Litz.

For more information about Smiles Charity, its mission, and its beneficiaries or to purchase tickets for Craig Morgan, please visit www.smilescharity.org.

Miranda Lambert Releases Emotional New Video

Sam Moore — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:45:36 +0000

Miranda Lambert’s emotional new video of the song “Over You” was released today.

The song was co-written by her and husband Blake Shelton about the death of his brother Richie when Blake was just 14. Both have called it one of the most personal songs they’ve ever written. The song’s lyrics became even more potent to the couple in recent weeks as they went through the loss of Blake’s father and then a close friend of Miranda’s.

In the video, Miranda is seen wearing a vintage dress, walking through the woods on a cold, snowy day. Two little boys are playing together around her, likely symbolic of Blake and Richie, when one disappears. A beautiful white horse then joins Miranda on her walk which ends in an old cemetery where she grieves her loss.

To watch the video, cut and paste the following address into your web browser:

http://blog.gactv.com/blog/2012/03/01/watch-miranda-lamberts-over-you-video/?nl=GAC_030112_Sub1_image&sni_mid=31371&sni_rid=31371.401.121528

Hot Club of Cowtown Ready to Swing into Grand Prairie

Sam Moore — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:13:04 +0000

Western swing is coming to a theater in Grand Prairie this weekend. As part of a February/March tour through Texas, Hot Club of Cowtown will perform Saturday at 8pm at the Uptown Theater.

Since their first recording in 1998, the Austin-based band has grown to be the most globe-trotting, hardest-swinging western swing trio on the planet. They have opened stadiums for such artists as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson and continue to bring their brand of western swing to a wide range of festival audiences all over the world. Drawing inspiration from jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, violinist Stephane Grappelli’s Hot Club of France, and from Bob Willis, the King of western swing, the trio has taken traditional western swing to a whole new level.

Individual tickets for Hot Club of Cowtown cost $16-$21.

For more information, visit http://www.uptowntheatergp.com/

Songwriters Enjoy Texas Music in Allen Performance

Sam Moore — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:01:00 +0000

What do you get when you put several songwriters in a room at the same time? A celebration of music. And that is exactly what happened in Allen at the public library auditorium last week.

The event was sponsored by Texas Roadhouse of McKinney and Bach to Books. It featured Austin Cunningham, Zane Williams, Kylie Rae Harris, Brad Allen and Michael Prysock.

As a special treat, Bette Winkler Hodges, daughter of the late songwriter Ray Winkler, discussed her father’s collaboration with the late Jim Reeves to compose the hit “Welcome to My World.”

Prysock’s songs reflected his Arkansas upbringing, focusing on the importance of family. Allen’s entertaining stage presence contributed to his popularity to the capacity crowd. He was introduced as a cross between Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

The highlights of the evening came from the last three performers. From her first guitar strum, the 22-year-old Harris captivated the audience with her strong vocals and well-crafted lyrics. She also joined Williams to provide beautiful backup vocals on one of his songs, “Pablo and Maria.” And Williams kept everyone entertained, especially with his popular version of “99 Bottles of Beer.”

Cunningham was the headliner, and was fantastic. Not only were his songs incredible, but his banter with the audience kept everyone laughing. He told everyone he was selling CDs out front for $2,500 each. His goal was to sell one!

Cunningham’s songs included “Mother’s Day,” a song he has yet to record, but is dedicated to his mother. Others were “Made to Last” and “Juan’s Drunk Again.”

Zane Williams Follows Long Path to Texas Music Success

Sam Moore — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:21:53 +0000

By Sam Moore

It’s funny. Songwriters succeed by telling great stories. Yet they often have difficulty telling their own story. Such is not the case with Zane Williams, who did a fantastic job of outlining his life’s adventure during a performance Monday night at Collin Creek College in Plano.

Williams’ two latest CDs, “The Right Place” (produced by Radney Foster) and “Ride With Me,” have planted him firmly in the list of most popular Texas singer-songwriters. But it took a lengthy stay in Nashville for him to realize how much he loves Texas.

He grew up in a non-musical family. He learned how to play the piano, but did not learn the guitar until he was a senior in high school. After graduating college with a math degree, he decided that math was not in the numbers.

“I decided to move to Nashville and make it big,” he said, a seemingly simple and easy plan.

Williams knew no one in Nashville, and started from scratch. He rented a room for $300 a month. He got a job operating a weedeater.

“When you’re running a weed whacker,” he said, “you have plenty of time to write songs in your head.”

It was during this period that he composed “Hurry Home.” But rather than have an established artist record it, Williams wanted it for himself. He didn’t want a publishing deal. He wanted to be the next Garth Brooks.

Eventually, Williams learned that the best way to success was by writing for someone else. So he got a publishing deal. Through a series of misadventures, “Hurry Home” eventually landed with Jason Michael Carroll. The song cracked the Country Top 20, several years after it was written. And what exactly did that mean?

“I made $240,000 the first year of its release,” Williams bragged.

The money also gave him the freedom to do something he really wanted. After what he called an almost 8-year struggle in Nashville, Williams and his wife bought a house and moved to McKinney TX. He never felt that he was a part of the Nashville scene. The Lone Star State was a different story.

“When we moved, I knew I was part of the Texas country mainstream.”

With the help of generous airplay of his songs on 95.3 The Range, Williams has managed to make a good living with shows in Texas. He has mainly toured solo shows, but is looking forward to having a tour with a full band.

Zane Williams has been working through 20 years of blood, sweat and tears. And he now proudly wears the tag “overnight success.”
For information, visit zanewilliamsmusic.com.

Texas Music by Texas Songwriters

Sam Moore — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:11:58 +0000

Some of Texas’ celebrated songwriters will gather at the Allen Public Library to present an evening of music sure to prove that our state has bragging rights to the best tunes in the country.

Sponsored by Texas Roadhouse of McKinney and Bach to Books, this free program is offered 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23. The lineup for this special evening includes at number of local musical talents.

Austin Cunningham

Songs by Garland native Austin Cunningham have been recorded by Hank Williams, Jr., Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and Wynonna Judd. His songs are featured on film soundtracks, including Ashley Judd’s Where the Heart Is, and the Richard Gere/Winona Ryder film, Autumn in New York. Austin has performed at the Sundance Film Festival for the Bluebird Café “On the Road” series.

An award-winning Texas singer-songwriter, Zane Williams’s writing credits include the top 20 Billboard hit “Hurry Home” recorded by Jason Michael Carroll. After 7 years on the road as a solo act and 2 years as a staff songwriter in Nashville, Williams returned to North Texas in 2008 and has since released two successful independent albums. The nationwide documentary “Troubadour, TX” is currently following his adventures with a full band.

Performing for over 20 years, Brad Allen began playing banjo at age 14 and progressed to fiddle, dobro, guitar, steel guitar and mandolin. An original member of the Skyriver Boys Bluegrass Band, Brad has performed at dozens of festivals and opened for Steven Curtis Chapman in Garland. Brad performs gospel, bluegrass, country and old time rock & roll.

A principle character on the docu-reality show “Troubadour, TX”, 22-year-old Kylie Rae Harris was nominated for Best New Female Vocalist in the State of Texas in 2011. Harris has been performing across Texas for five years and has shared the stage with Chuck Cannon, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Eli Young Band. Harris has released one album entitled “All the Right Reasons.”
Allen’s own Michael Ellis Empey has developed a unique style and his music is a sophisticated yet down home blend of Country, R&B and Jazz. He calls his sound “Country-Bluejazz.” In addition, for fifty years, Michael has written and performed comedy and worked with such notables as Eddie Murphy, Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams. Michael joined Peter Schless to produce “My Father’s Song.”

A singer-songwriter-fourth generation musician, Michael Prysock was deeply affected by life in rural Arkansas. Through his music, he tells achingly true tales of the influences of his family and the brotherhood of friends that helped raise him. Prysock skips the clichéd heart songs of romance and moves purposefully to lyrics that convey the struggles of real life.

Call 214-509-4911 for more information.