Gruene Hall: An Institution and the Epicenter of Texas Country Music

Nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State, Texas, is a small town called New Braunfels. While its size may be modest, this unassuming town holds an enormous cultural significance in the Texas country music scene. At the heart of the town lies an iconic institution known as Gruene Hall, a historic dance hall that has become the quintessential gathering place for musicians and music lovers alike. Let's dive into the rich history, captivating atmosphere, and the indelible impact that Gruene Hall has had on Texas country music.

A Storied Past:

Gruene Hall is steeped in history, dating back to its establishment in 1878. Originally a general store, it was converted into a dance hall in 1975, and since then, it has stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Texas country music. Its walls have witnessed countless performances by legendary musicians, from local talents to global icons.

Iconic Performances:

Gruene Hall has been a witness to numerous memorable, historic, and legendary shows over the years. Here are just a few notable performances that have left an indelible mark on the venue's history. 

As one of the most iconic names in country music, George Strait has graced the stage of Gruene Hall multiple times. His performances at the venue have become the stuff of legend, drawing massive crowds and creating an electrifying atmosphere. The legendary Willie Nelson, a Texas country music icon, has also made his mark at Gruene Hall. His intimate performances have captivated audiences and solidified his status as one of the most influential musicians of all time. Gruene Hall has had the privilege of hosting the late Townes Van Zandt, a revered singer-songwriter known for his poetic lyrics and captivating performances. His shows at the venue showcased his raw talent and left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to witness them. Lyle Lovett, a Grammy Award-winning artist hailing from Texas, has a deep connection with Gruene Hall. He has performed there numerous times, bringing his unique blend of country, folk, and blues to the stage and captivating audiences with his charismatic presence. Known for his storytelling prowess and soulful performances, Robert Earl Keen has become synonymous with Gruene Hall. His annual Christmas shows at the venue have become a cherished tradition, drawing fans from far and wide to experience the magic of his music. Jerry Jeff Walker, a Texas country music pioneer, has a special place in the history of Gruene Hall. His lively performances, including his signature song "Mr. Bojangles," have made him a beloved figure among fans and have become an integral part of the venue's lore. The legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan left an indelible mark on Gruene Hall during his career. His soulful blues performances showcased his virtuosity and passion, and his legacy continues to resonate within the walls of the venue. 

These are just a few examples of the many unforgettable performances that have taken place at Gruene Hall. Countless other musicians, both established and emerging, have graced the stage and left their mark on the venue's storied history, contributing to its status as an iconic institution in the Texas country music scene.

Authentic Atmosphere:

What sets Gruene Hall apart from other music venues is its authentic, down-to-earth atmosphere. The intimate setting and rustic charm create a sense of closeness between the musicians and the audience. Unlike the glitz and glamour of larger arenas, Gruene Hall offers an unpretentious space where musicians can connect with their fans on a deeply personal level. The combination of the wooden dance floor, creaking stage, and the laughter echoing through the rafters creates an ambiance that transports visitors back to a simpler time.

Two-Stepping and Texas Tradition:

No discussion about Gruene Hall would be complete without mentioning the beloved tradition of two-stepping. From beginners to seasoned dancers, the dance floor is a place where people of all ages can come together to share their love for music and dance. The authentic country sounds, combined with the energy of the crowd, make Gruene Hall an unparalleled destination for two-stepping enthusiasts. The dance hall hosts regular lessons for those looking to perfect their moves, ensuring that this timeless tradition remains alive and well.

A Sense of Community:

Gruene Hall embodies the spirit of community that is deeply ingrained in Texas culture. It is a place where strangers become friends, and everyone is welcome. The camaraderie among the visitors, musicians, and staff creates an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity. The shared love for music serves as a unifying force, fostering a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the walls of the dance hall.

Preserving Texas Country Music:

In an era where the music industry is rapidly evolving, Gruene Hall stands as a stalwart guardian of the Texas country music tradition. By providing a platform for emerging artists and nurturing local talent, Gruene Hall ensures the longevity and preservation of the genre. It is a testament to the enduring power of live music and a beacon of hope for musicians seeking a genuine connection with their audience.

Gruene Hall's rich history, captivating atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to preserving Texas country music make it an unrivaled institution in the Lone Star State. Its hallowed stage has witnessed the rise of legends and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians. Whether you're a die-hard country music fan, a casual listener, or simply seeking an authentic Texas experience, a pilgrimage to Gruene Hall is an absolute must. It's a place where time stands still, and the heart and soul of Texas country music come alive.

The Curtain Falls On Many Country Music Voices In 2020

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She lists some of the musicians and singers we lost along the way in country music this year. 

Hal Ketchum

Here are the people from the world of country music for whom the final curtain fell in 2020. 

Biff Adam (March 7, congestive heart failure, age 83): longtime drummer for Merle Haggard.

Tom Annastas (August 12, heart attack, age 67): longtime vice president of general licensing at BMI Nashville.

William "Bucky" Baxter (May 25, unknown cause, age 65): pedal steel guitarist who co-founded Steve Earle's backing band, the Dukes, and also played steel with Bob Dylan on the "Never-Ending Tour."

Mac Benford (February 15, cancer, age 79): traditional clawhammer-style banjo player and teacher and member of the Highwoods String Band.

Margie Bowes (October 22, illness, age 79): country singer best remembered for “Poor Old Heartsick Me” in 1959.  She was also the ex-wife of Doyle Wilburn.

Jim Brewer (September 12, leukemia, age 82): father of bluegrass singer Gary Brewer, and a frequent member in Brewer's band, the Kentucky Ramblers.

Johnny Bush (October 16, pneumonia, age 85): Texas-born and bred hard country singer with a great voice and a great songwriting pen.  Among his compositions was Willie Nelson's signature tune, "Whiskey River."

Stan Byrd (May 23, unknown cause, age 77): longtime music executive in Nashville who worked for CBS, Asylum, and Warner Brothers' country divisions.

Buddy Cage (February 4, multiple myeloma, age 73): pedal steel guitarist for the country-rock band New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Jimmy Capps (June 2, unknown cause, age 81): Musicians Hall of Fame guitar player who was a member of the Opry Staff Band and backed some of the biggest names in country music for over 60 years.

Pete Carr (June 27, unknown cause, age 70): Muscle Shoals guitarist who backed countless performers in the studio from country to pop to rock in a Musicians Hall of Fame career.

Wayne Chandler (August 7, renal cancer, age 54): Nashville tourism/hospitality executive who had worked with Kitty Wells and was also the onetime owner of the Nashville Nightlife Theater.

Arthur Connor (April 13, natural causes, age 95): legendary fiddle maker whose instruments were preferred by the likes of Ricky Skaggs.  He also had his own bluegrass band, the Connor Brothers.

J.T. Corenflos (October 24, pneumonia, age 56): widely-used guitarist who began as a member of Jean Shepard's backing band and went on to award-winning work as a session man.

*Charlie Daniels (July 6, stroke, age 83): Country Music Hall of Fame member who was active for seven decades as a producer, session man, and chart-topping performer in country and southern rock.

Chris Darrow (January 15, stroke, age 75): pioneering country-rock  multi-instrumentalist who worked with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and in Linda Ronstadt's early pre-Eagles backing band.

Mac Davis (September 29, complications of heart surgery, age 78): gifted Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member who served as songwriter (Elvis' "In the Ghetto"), actor (North Dallas Forty), and singer who entertained country and pop audiences in the 70s and 80s.

Tony DeBoer (May 20, brain aneurysm, age 81): the "grandfather of Canadian bluegrass" who founded the River Valley Music Park for bluegrass festivals in Ontario.

John Denny (July 21, Alzheimer's disease, age 79): the son of Hall of Fame member Jim Denny was in charge of Cedarwood Publishing for years.  He also owned Denny's Den studio and was a founding member of R.O.P.E. (Reunion Of Professional Entertainers).  His widow, Pandora, died a month later.

Joe Diffie (March 29, COVID-19, age 61): one of the “no hat” country stars of the 90s whose hits included “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets)” and “New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame).”

Carl Dobkins Jr. (April 8, unknown cause, age 79): Rockabilly Hall of Fame singer whose biggest hit was 1959's "My Heart Is an Open Book."

Rick Durrett (October 6, unknown cause, age 75): a member of the rock band Coven (of "One Tin Soldier" fame) who later became the keyboard player for Crystal Gaylle's band.

Justin Townes Earle (August 20, accidental drug overdose, age 38): the award-winning, critically-acclaimed Americana singer/songwriter was also the son of Steve Earle.

Paul English (February 12, pneumonia, age 87): Willie Nelson’s longtime drummer and the “Paul” in Willie’s song “Me and Paul.”

Randy Frazier (June 19, long illness, age 60): musician who played with McBride and the Ride and Sammy Kershaw. 

Bryan Wayne Galentine (October 22, ALS, age 53): songwriter who composed modern hits such as Chris Cagle's "Country By the Grace of God" and Tommy Shane Steiner's "What If She's an Angel."

Benny Garcia (May 7, pancreatic cancer, age 64): longtime guitar technician for Vince Gill.

Steve Gulley (August 18, pancreatic cancer, age 57): well-loved bluegrass musician who co-founded the band Mountain Heart after a stint with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver.

Joe Halterman (February 11, unknown cause, age 69): drummer for a number of stars, including Bob Luman, and co-writer of the 1983 Whites hit "I Wonder Who's Holding My Baby Tonight."

James Hand (June 8, heart failure, age 67): traditional country and Ameripolitan star, Ameripolitan "male vocalist" award winner, and the man who traditionally opened the Ameripolitan Awards program with his pure honky tonk music.

Alex Harvey (April 4, unknown cause, age 73): songwriter who gave us such massive hits as "Delta Dawn" (Tayna Tucker), "Reuben James" (Kenny Rogers & the First Edition), and "Rings" (Tompall & the Glaser Brothers).

Roy Head (September 21, heart attack, age 79): Rockabilly Hall of Fame member who wrote and originally recorded "Treat Her Right," a song that was later covered by the likes of Billy "Crash" Craddock and Barbara Mandrell.

Jimmy Henley (March 22, throat cancer, age 56): Tulsa-based bluegrass banjo player who got his start playing with Roy Clark on Hee Haw.

W.S. "Fluke" Holland (September 23, short illness, age 85): original drummer in Johnny Cash's Tennessee Three who also worked with a wide variety of acts from Johnny Horton to Dale Watson.

Robb Houston (March 16, ALS, age 57): guitarist who worked for Randy Travis, Brothers Phelps, and on the TV series Nashville Star.

Jan Howard (March 28, natural causes, age 91): "Grand Lady of the Grand Ole Opry" country singer with a career that began with her singing then-husband Harlan Howard's songs for demos and blossomed into a career that included hits with Wynn Stewart, Bill Anderson, and solo success.

Kenny Ingram (July 26, stroke, age 67): much-loved banjo player who began as a member of Lester Flatt's Nashville Grass and went on to perform with Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Larry Stephenson, and over 200 different recordings.

Teddy Irwin (November 5, unknown cause, age 77): multifaceted session guitarist whose list of credits run from John Lennon to Randy Travis.

Wade Jackson (January 14, complications of a stroke, age 90): singer and songwriter whose lasting legacy is the Stonewall Jackson hit "Don't Be Angry."

Joe Johnson (December 22, natural causes, age 93): co-founder of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and longtime figure in country music at labels such as Four Star, Challenge, and Columbia.

Larry W. Johnson (June 12, cancer, age 69): co-writer of Tim McGraw's first hit, "Don't Take the Girl."  The song's other writer, Craig Martin, also died this year.

Troy Jones (September 11, electrocuted, age 64): songwriter best-known for Billy Currington's "People Are Crazy."

John B. Kaparakis (April 12, unknown cause, age 82): bluegrass guitarist who worked with the Lonesome River Boys, Hazel Dickens, and Kenny Baker.  He was also a journalist at Bluegrass Unlimited. 

Ramsey Kearney (March 14, unknown cause, age 86): songwriter whose best-known work was "Emotions," which he co-wrote with Mel Tillis. 

Susan Keel (November 20, unknown cause, age 58): Nashville PR agent whose clients ranged from the Tennessee Titans to Ray Stevens.

Dan Kelly (July 22, heart attack, age 54): fiddler in the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band.

Benjamin Keough (July 12, suicide [gunshot], age 27): the grandson of Elvis Presley.

Stan Kesler (October 26, unknown cause, age 92): Sun Records studio musician and songwriter whose credits include "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" and "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone."

Hal Ketchum (November 23, dementia, age 67): country singer with a string of hit singles in the 80s and 90s, including "Small Town Saturday Night," "Mama Knows the Highway," and "Past the Point of Rescue."

Thom King (April 24, heart attack, age 65): Nashville-based photographer and journalist whose works included co-writing Danny Davis' memoir Guess Who I Met Today! 

Bob Loflin (November 16, unknown cause, age 91): former DJ at WSM and announcer on the Grand Ole Opry who also did interviews for the syndicated radio program Country Crossroads. 

Sonny Lonas (June 30, unknown cause, age 81): Virginia-based drummer who followed Patsy Cline to Nashville and later drummed for Ernest Tubb.

Jim Lusk (April 25, unknown cause, age 80): front man of Jim Lusk and the Counterfeit Cowboys and songwriter of "It Started All Over Again" by Vern Gosdin.

Bill Mack (July 31, COVID-19, age 91): Country Music DJ Hall of Fame member whose "Midnight Cowboy" radio show kept long-haul truck drivers company on overnight runs for decades.  He also wrote the hits "Drinking Champagne" and "Blue."

Carl Mann (December 15, unknown cause, age 78): rockabilly member of the Sun Records roster in the late 50s, best-known for his rockabilly rendition of "Mona Lisa."

Marty Martel (March 29, unknown cause, age 81): former manager for Johnny Paycheck and the booking agent for the "Legends Fest" concerts for country greats.

Craig Martin (July 3, unknown cause, age 52): co-writer of Tim McGraw's breakthrough hit "Don't Take the Girl."  The song's other writer, Larry W. Johnson, also passed away this year.

Kirke Martin (December 16, cancer, age 70): manager for music acts ranging from the Dirt Band and T. Graham Brown to numerous contemporary Christian bands.

Lynsey McDonald (November 23, multiple myeloma, age 58): co-founder of the "Music City Roots" program and Americana/alt-country executive working in the careers of Jason & the Scorchers, Robbie Fulks, Deanna Carter, and Todd Snider.

Bill McEuen (September 24, unknown cause, age 79): the brother of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band co-founder John McEuen, he served as the producer for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, including the legendary album Will the Circle Be Unbroken.  He was also Steve Martin's manager in Martin's stand-up comedy days.

Gary McSpadden (April 15, pancreatic cancer, age 77): gospel singer and songwriter who was a member of the gospel-era Oak Ridge Quartet.

Edward "Felix" McTeigue (July 24, post-surgery complications, age 48): producer and songwriter whose credits included the #1 Florida-Georgia Line song "Anything Goes."

Joe Meador (October 21, Lewy body dementia, age 73): manager for Ronnie McDowell and co-writer of McDowell's hits "All Tied Up," "Never Too Old to Rock and Roll," and "Lovin' That Crazy Feeling."

Walter C. Miller (November 13, pneumonia, age 94): producer of numerous television music specials, including a 35-year stint as producer of the CMA Awards program.

Bonnie Lou Moore (September 21, natural causes, age 91): half of the Knoxville-based radio, recording, and TV country and gospel duet "Bonnie Lou and Buster."

Jamie Oldaker (July 16, cancer, age 68): multi-genre drummer who played in the Tractors and worked with other acts as diverse as Eric Clapton, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, and Asleep At the Wheel.

David Olney (January 18, heart attack, age 71): much-loved Americana singer/songwriter whose songs were covered by acts such as Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.  Olney suffered a fatal heart attack onstage during a performance at the 30A Festival in Florida.

K.T. Oslin (December 21, COVID-19/Parkinson's disease, age 78): Grammy-winning "late-blooming" singer/songwriter whose first major hit "80s Ladies" came when she was 46 years old.

Charles "Fuzzy" Owen (May 11, kidney failure, age 91): one of the mainstays of the Bakersfield Sound, working with many of the then-unknown performers such as Merle Haggard and Buck Owens.  He was also a songwriter, having penned Ray Price's "The Same Old Me" and the classic "A Dear John Letter" by Ferlin Husky and Jean Shepard.

Jim Owen (March 7, unknown cause, age 78): songwriter whose best-known compositions include "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" and Jim Ed Brown's hit "Southern Loving."

Ira Parker (January 24, unknown cause, age 63): hairstylist and personal assistant for Dolly Parton.

Little Richard Penniman (May 9, bone cancer, age 87): the "architect of rock and roll" touched all genres of music, including country thanks to Waylon Jennings' hit cover of "Lucille."

Ray Pennington (October 7, house fire, age 86): country songwriter whose list of credits include the Waylon Jennings classic "I'm a Ramblin' Man."

Knox Phillips (April 15, cancer, age 74): the son of the legendary Sam Phillips was also a well-respected producer who worked with the likes of John Prine, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Amazing Rhythm Aces, and Willie Nelson.

Bonnie Pointer (June 8, cardiac arrest, age 69): a member of the legendary R&B group the Pointer Sisters, she wrote the 1974 country crossover and Grammy-winning hit "Fairytale" in tribute to her love for country music.

*Charley Pride (December 12, COVID-19, age 86): Country Music Hall of Fame country singer who had an impressive string of top ten hits from 1967 to 1984, including the crossover hit "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'." 

John Prine (April 7, COVID-19, age 73): Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member who knew his way around three chords and phrases better than just about anyone in his generation.

Bill Pursell (September 3, COVID-related pneumonia, age 94): songwriter ("Our Winter Love") and much in-demand session piano player for most of the country acts in the 60s through 80s.

John Ragsdale (March 25, fall, age 75): brother of Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens who worked as song co-writer, emcee, and business manager.

Glenn Ray (June 11, unknown cause, age 82): songwriter whose biggest success was "I Just Came Home to Count the Memories," a hit for Bobby Wright, Cal Smith, and John Anderson over the years.

Ellen Reeves (September 15, unknown cause, age 87): the widow of country star Del Reeves and songwriter behind Rose Maddox's hit "Sing a Little Song of Heartache." 

*Harold Reid (April 24, kidney failure, age 80): the bass singer and main comedian for the Statler Brothers.  He also was Lester “Roadhog” Moran in that classic spoof of small-town radio shows.

Tony Rice (December 25, unknown cause, age 69): Bluegrass Hall of Fame guitarist and singer who influenced generations of bluegrass guitarists who came after him.

Dave Rich (March 18, unknown cause, age 84): Rockabilly Hall of Fame singer whose career in country music was minimal but very significant, thanks to his recording of Bill Anderson's song "City Lights."

*Kenny Rogers (March 20, cancer, age 81): Country Music Hall of Fame singer whose career spanned seven decades and covered the genres of country, pop, and rock.

Alan Schulman (June 24, unknown cause, age 66): Muscle Shoals-based Grammy-winning recording engineer who worked with the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Alabama, and Ronnie Milsap.

Eddie Setser (January 17, unknown cause, age 77): songwriter whose greatest claim to fame was co-writing the Willie Nelson/Ray Charles duet "Seven Spanish Angels."

Bob Shane (January 26, pneumonia, age 85): the last original member of the folk group the Kingston Trio, whose "Tom Dooley" won the first country music Grammy award in 1958.

Billy Joe Shaver (October 28, stroke, age 81): legendary Texas “outlaw” country singer and songwriter whose contributions to the country songbook included “Ride Me Down Easy,” “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal,” and “Honky Tonk Heroes.”

Lucille Starr (September 4, unknown cause, age 82): Canadian country music singer whose "The French Song" was a hit in both Canada and the US. 

Doug Supernaw (November 13, bladder and lung cancer, age 60): 90s country singer with a string of hits including “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” and “Reno.”

Gary Walker (July 8, unknown cause, age 87): songwriter behind hits such as Carl Smith's "Trademark" and Jim Reeves' "According to My Heart."  Later operated Nashville's legendary used record store the Great Escape.

Jerry Jeff Walker (October 23, throat cancer, age 78): “gonzo” country great who wrote the classic “Mr. Bojangles” and was an “outlaw” in country before it was cool.

Eric Weissberg (March 22, Alzheimer's disease, age 80): musician whose recording of "Deuling Banjoes" was featured in the movie Deliverance and became an international hit.

Wanda White (December 15, natural causes, age 87): WNOX Midday Merry-Go-Round performer who also performed on the Opry as a member of Carlton Scruggs and the Down Home Folks.

Dick Whitehouse (January 14, cause and age unknown): longtime Curb Records executive who helped get acts such as Lyle Lovett, Junior Brown, and Sawyer Brown on the label.

Katherine Williams-Dunning (June 13, car wreck, age 27): daughter of Hank Williams Jr., and sister to singers Hank III and Holly Williams.

Farewell, and thank you for the music.

Billy Joe Shaver Passes Away At The Age Of 81

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

For the third time this month we bid farewell to a Texas country music legend. 

Billy Joe Shaver died this morning (10/28) following a massive stroke. 

Like Johnny Bush and Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver had success when someone else did his songs.  In this case, “Honky Tonk Heroes,” a hit for Waylon Jennings. Jennings also covered “Old Five and Dimers (Like Me),” the title track from Shaver’s 1973 debut album.  Other hits from Shaver’s pen included “Ride Me Down Easy” and “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal.”

Billy Joe Shaver joined the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday (August 16, 1956).  After his service, he married (one of three times he’d marry the same woman) and took a job in a lumber mill.  When he was 26, an accident cost him his index and middle fingers on his right hand, and infection threatened the rest of the hand.

But he survived, becoming the tough “outlaw” Texan that a lot of the other singers only dreamed of.  He was tried for shooting a man in a bar who pulled a knife on him (“I shot him right between the ‘mother’ and the ‘f***er,’” Shaver would recount).  The story became legendary and the basis for Dale Watson’s song “Where Do You Want It.”  He suffered a heart attack during a concert at Gruene Hall in August 2001, forcing him to undergo quadruple bypass surgery. 

We’re losing our old five and dimers like him.

Billy Joe Shaver was 81.

Legendary Texas Songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker Passes Away At Age Of 78

K.F. Raizor, author of the website Raizor's Edge and the book We Can't Sing and We Ain't Funny: The World of Homer and Jethro is our guest writer today on That Nashville Sound. She's ever so gracious to provide wonderful tributes to honor those to whom the music we treasure just wouldn't be the same without. Thank you, K.F.

Yet again we pause to mourn for the loss of a great singer/songwriter.

Jerry Jeff Walker died Friday (10/23) after a recurrence of throat cancer.

For all of the automatic association with Texas country music that one has with the name Jerry Jeff Walker, in truth he wasn’t born in Texas...nor with that name!  He was born Ronald Clyde Crosby on March 16, 1942, in Oneonta, New York.  

The past was wild, including going AWOL from the National Guard.  Walker ended up in jail in New Orleans, where he encountered an old man who frequented jails for public intoxication.  From that experience, Jerry Jeff Walker established himself with one of the great classics in music: “Mr. Bojangles.” 

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band did a country version of the song, then Sammy Davis Jr. recorded a pop rendition that made the song an American music standard, and basically set Walker for life financially. 

Free to be himself, he established himself in what he called “gonzo country,” in hindsight a forerunner of the mid-70s “outlaw” movement.  He made music on his own terms, scoring minor hits (“I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” and “Jaded Lover” made small dents in the country singles charts) and recording one of the classic albums of the 70s: ¡Viva Terlingua!

Although never a “chart-topper,” Walker had a large and loyal following.  He appeared in numerous places over the years: as host of TNN’s Texas Country, his annual birthday bash at Gruene Hall in Texas, and most famously, with the theme song to Austin City Limits (“London Homesick Blues,” written and sung by Gary P. Nunn, which appeared originally on the ¡Viva Terlingua! album).

Walker was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017.  Although in remission for a couple of years, Walker announced earlier this summer that there was a recurrence. 

Farewell to the legendary Jerry Jeff Walker, who was 78.

New Music Video From Jack Ingram and Bruce Robison - "Pissin' In The Wind" (Jerry Jeff Walker Cover)

Flatland Cavalry, Evan Felker (Turnpike Troubadours), Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison Among Texans On Upcoming The Next Waltz Volume 2 LP

Artist: Compilation
Album: The Next Waltz Volume 2
Label: The Next Waltz
Release date: November 29, 2019

The second installment of singles is being released from The Next Waltz. Recorded at Bruce Robison's The Bunker in Lockhart with no digital shenanigans, the new LP will be out November 29th. The project will only be available on Bluebonnet swirl colored 180 gram vinyl (limited run of 500) or classic black. Digital download included.  The beautiful cover art was created by Kerry Awn of Armadillo World Headquarters / Armadillo Art Squad fame.

The Next Waltz is a multi-faceted project bringing just about all of Robison’s musical interests under one big tent. In a nutshell, it’s a website (www.thenextwaltz.com), internet TV show/video podcast, online radio station, and a record label — albeit one at present and focused exclusively on producing digital-only singles, all of them recorded and mixed analog as all get-out at Robison’s new(ish) dream studio in Lockhart, Texas, Bruce’s Country Bunker.

“I’m starting with three and a half minutes,” he says with a laugh. “That’s what I’m asking people for: ‘Please just give me this three and a half minutes, listen to this.’ That’s how they did things back in the day at Stax or Motown, and man, you’ve really got to be able to turn their head in that time. And so that’s what we’re going for.”

The way it all works is, Robison and his Next Waltz team — including filmmaker Spencer Peeples — invite artists of the country/Texas/Americana persuasion out to the studio to film a short biopic/interview and to record a brand new single, usually with Robison’s own hand-picked Muscle Shoals/Wrecking Crew-inspired regular cast of ace Austin players. The recording of the song is filmed for its own video, and all three pieces — biopic, song video, and downloadable single — are then posted to the site and shared as far and wide as the web can carry them, from YouTube and iTunes to Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon and Google Play. “We are going to make these songs available in every sort of way you could want to consume them, download or streaming,” says Robison. “We’re saying yes to every bit, everywhere.”

Volume 1 included the likes of Randy Rogers, Jack Ingram, Wade Bowen, Holly Williams, Turnpike Troubadours, Reckless Kelly, Hayes Carll, Jerry Jeff Walker and more.

Volume 2 includes: 

Side A
"Whiskey In Your Water" - Evan Felker
"A World So Full of Love" - Shakey Graves
"Sober Heart" - Flatland Cavalry
"Edge of the Colorado" - Carrie Rodriguez
"The One I Was Then" - William Clark Green

Side B

"Don't You Think I Feel It Too" - Carson McHone
"Left My Girl Behind" - Wood & Wire
"Without You" - James Steinle
"Love's A Word I Never Throw Around" - John Baumann
"If I Had A Rose" - Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison

Newly Uncovered 1988 Concert Recording Being Turned Into New Live Guy Clark Album

Artist: Guy Clark
Album: Great American Radio - Volume 1: Live From San Francisco, 1988
Label: Retroworld
Release date: March 8, 2019

Despite his passing a couple years ago, fans of Guy Clark have a new live project to look forward to in the form of a live album- a brilliant performance at the Great American Music Hall.  The album includes the entire concert broadcast and it has been digitally remastered for enhanced sound quality.  The project was recorded in October of 1988. 

Although he was never a prolific recording artist, the legendary Guy Clark was one of the most esteemed singer-songwriters of his generation. He released more than twenty albums, and his songs have been recorded by many other artists including Jerry Jeff Walker, Jimmy Buffett, Lyle Lovett, Ricky Skaggs, Steve Wariner, Jack Ingram and Rodney Crowell. Originally broadcast on KSAN-FM, this superb live set includes material that spans the length of his career, including several songs from his recently released Old Friends album. It contains a selection of songs from the five studio albums recorded prior to that date, including "Indian Cowboy" written by Joe Ely.

TRACKLISTING

1. LA Freeway
2. Homegrown Tomatoes
3. Texas 1941
4. The Carpenter
5. Anyhow I Love You
6. New Cut Road
7. Old Friends
8. All Through Throwin' Good Love After Bad
9. Comes From The Heart
10. The Indian Cowboy
11. Desperados Waiting For The Train
12. Heavy Metal
13. Let Him Roll

Steve Earle To Release Album Dedicated To Mentor Guy Clark In March

Artist: Steve Earle & The Dukes

Album: Guy

Label: New West Records

Release date: March 29

Steve Earle & The Dukes have announced that their new album Guy will be released by New West on March 29.

A sequel to his 2009 album Townes, on which he covered the songs of Townes Van Zandt, Earle’s new effort comprises 16 songs by his other songwriting mentor Guy Clark.

“No way I could get out of doing this record,” says Earle. “When I get to the other side, I didn’t want to run into Guy having made the Townes record and not one about him.”

“Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark were like Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to me. When it comes to mentors, I’m glad I had both. If you asked Townes what it’s all about, he’d hand you a copy of Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee. If you asked Guy the same question, he’d take out a piece of paper and teach you how to diagram a song, what goes where. Townes was one of the all-time great writers, but he only finished three songs during the last fifteen years of his life. Guy had cancer and wrote songs until the day he died… When he was sick – he was dying really for the last ten years of his life – he asked me if we could write a song together. We should do it ‘for the grandkids,’ he said. Well, I don’t know… at the time, I still didn’t co-write much, then I got busy. Then Guy died and it was too late. That, I regret.”

Guy was produced by Earle and recorded by his long-time production partner Ray Kennedy. The Dukes on this record include Kelley Looney on bass, Chris Masterson on guitar, Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle & mandolin, Ricky Ray Jackson on pedal steel guitar, and Brad Pemberton on drums & percussion. Guy also features guest appearances by Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Terry Allen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Mickey Raphael, Shawn Camp, Verlon Thompson, Gary Nicholson, and the photographer Jim McGuire.

1. Dublin Blues
2. L.A. Freeway
3. Texas 1947
4. Desperados Waiting For A Train
5. Rita Ballou
6. The Ballad Of Laverne And Captain Flint
7. The Randall Knife
8. Anyhow I Love You
9. That Old Time Feeling
10. Heartbroke
11. The Last Gunfighter Ballad
12. Out In The Parking Lot
13. She Ain’t Going Nowhere
14. Sis Draper
15. New Cut Road

16. Old Friends

Michael Martin Murphey To Release Austinology: Alleys of Austin in October

Artist: Michael Martin Murphey
Album: Austinology: Alleys of Austin
Label: Soundly Music
Release date: October 5, 2018

Fifty years after Murphey helped pioneer the Austin Music Scene (along with Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P. Nunn and more) , his latest offering is a look at the seminal period of Austin’s music history that set the stage for the “Outlaw” movement with Nelson and Waylon Jennings, among others, and the live music scene that is still thriving there.

“Murphey was a key player in the Austin, TX phenomenon,” wrote noted journalist Craig Havighurst for WMOT — The String. “He was a regular at the Armadillo World Headquarters, the iconic venue at the heart of the live scene, where a diverse audience heard a diverse array of roots music, from hard country to traditional blues. Murphey, along with Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker and others forged a country-rock hybrid that became the foundation for the progressive folk music field we now call Americana.”

For Austinology, Murphey chose songs — including some by the likes of Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Jerry Jeff Walker — that were important to the late 1960s and 1970s when he lived in Austin and created the “Cosmic Cowboy” era.

Murphey is joined on the project by several artists who were integral to that era as well as those influenced by the work they created.

The songs are given a fresh reading by Murphey and his special guests, including Willie Nelson (on “Alleys of Austin” and “Cosmic Cowboy”), Steve Earle (on “Geronimo’s Cadillac”), Lyle Lovett (on “Alleys of Austin,” “Cosmic Cowboy” and “Drunken Lady of the Morning”), Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison (on “Little Bird”), Jerry Jeff Walker (on “Cosmic Cowboy”), Amy Grant (on “Wildfire”), Randy Rogers (“Backslider’s Wine”), The Last Bandoleros (on Guy Clark’s “LA Freeway”) and more.

Murphey, who plays and sounds better than ever, also enlisted some of the finest players in the world, including guitarist Kenny Greenberg (Nelson, Bob Seger, Etta James), dobroist Rob Ickes (Earl Scruggs, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill), keyboardist Tim Akers (Dolly Parton, Bruce Hornsby, Jimmy Webb) and more. The album is co-produced with Christopher Harris (CeCe Winans, Amy Grant). 

Texas Legend Jerry Jeff Walker Comes Back With New Indepedent Album

Artist: Jerry Jeff Walker
Album: It's About Time
Label: Tried & True Music
Release date: April 2018

Though not a native Texan, Jerry Jeff Walker is one of the artists who helped shape the Texas country music sound and put the city of Austin on the country music map in the 1970s. Walker's best-known song was 1968's "Mr. Bojangles" (a Top 10 pop hit in the hands of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), but he was immortalized five years later with the highly influential live album Viva Terlingua! Recorded in Luckenbach before Waylon and Willie and the boys made the town famous, Terlingua became a cornerstone of Red Dirt country music.

Details about the album come from an interview with the Austin Statesman:

"It’s About Time includes several original tunes he’s been playing in concert for a while. Perhaps the best is called “I Always Thought I Was Going to Live in California,” which retells how he landed in Austin in the 1960s while heading west after leaving his upstate New York hometown. He met Susan here, and the rest soon enough became history. But “It’s About Time” also gathers tunes by others that he’s known and loved for decades. “South Coast,” with its moving “the lion still rules the barranca” chorus, was written in the 1950s by Lillian Bos Ross, Rich Dehr and Sam Eskin before being immortalized first by the Kingston Trio and then Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. And he taps into Paul Siebel, best known for writing the folk classic “Louise,” with a slightly updated take on “The Ballad of Honest Sam.” That’s the one song on “It’s About Time” where Walker does get semi-political. “It really fits the Trump era,” he says, reeling off a couple of lines from the song about a character who “made his money shadily.”

The album is currently available through Walker's website HERE.  

A Texas-Sized Artist Collaboration - Jerry Jeff Walker's "Sangria Wine"

Earlier this year, an all-star group of Texas musicians got together for a pre-gig rehearsal at Ray Benson's own Bismeaux Productions studio in Austin, TX. They were preparing to play a gala the next week that would honor Jerry Jeff Walker, hosted by Turk Pipkin. A few hours... and glasses of wine later... Bruce Robison and his crew turned the camera on these good times so he could share them with us. This is what happens when great musicians get together to play music and enjoy some "Sangria Wine".