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Frontiers to Footlights
“How Has Texas Music Evolved As A Global Presence From the Perspective of
Experts in the Field”
Diana Finlay Hendricks
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies : Emphasis on Texas Music and Culture
Abstract
“How Has Texas Music Evolved As a Global Presence?”
Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to Texas roots. This research project will focus on the opinions of subject matter experts in the field of Texas music, asking how Texas music has evolved as a global presence. The “how” of that title will ask the question two ways: as we focus on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; and the people who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage.
This research project is of great significance to me as a music historian, writer and photographer, as I seek to learn trade secrets from subject matter experts in the field. Very few studies of this topic have been conducted, though Texas leads the nation with unique styles and genres of music that originated and are indigenous to this region, as well as leading artists in multiple fields who hold fast to their Texas roots. In the opinion of these subject matter experts, how did this tradition come to be, what gave it credibility, and is this tradition of Texas music growing, dying or remaining static amid the technology of the twenty-first century? I have asked five questions of thirty experts in the music business, a combination of journalists, investors, agents, music directors, historians, and more. Twenty-two responded. Close inspection of this survey will offer Texas musicians as well as music investors’ opinions from those who stand on the front lines of the entertainment industry.
“How Has Texas Music Evolved As a Global Presence?”
Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to Texas roots. This research project will focus on the opinions of subject matter experts in the field of Texas music, asking how Texas music has evolved as a global presence. The “how” of that title will ask the question two ways: as we focus on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; and the people who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage.
This research project is of great significance to me as a music historian, writer and photographer, as I seek to learn trade secrets from subject matter experts in the field. Very few studies of this topic have been conducted, though Texas leads the nation with unique styles and genres of music that originated and are indigenous to this region, as well as leading artists in multiple fields who hold fast to their Texas roots. In the opinion of these subject matter experts, how did this tradition come to be, what gave it credibility, and is this tradition of Texas music growing, dying or remaining static amid the technology of the twenty-first century? I have asked five questions of thirty experts in the music business, a combination of journalists, investors, agents, music directors, historians, and more. Twenty-two responded. Close inspection of this survey will offer Texas musicians as well as music investors’ opinions from those who stand on the front lines of the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Table of Contents
Chapter I - Introduction - Proposal Outline
Chapter II - What Is Texas Music?
Chapter III - How Has Texas Music Evolved Into A Global Presence?
Chapter IV - How Will Technology Affect Organic Musical Styles?
Chapter V - Who Created Texas Music? (Top Ten Poll)
Chapter VI - Who Are These Subject Matter Experts?
Chapter VII – Conclusion
Endnotes
Appendix
Review of Literature
Top Ten Texas Influences Poll
Afterword
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Abstract
Table of Contents
Chapter I - Introduction - Proposal Outline
Chapter II - What Is Texas Music?
Chapter III - How Has Texas Music Evolved Into A Global Presence?
Chapter IV - How Will Technology Affect Organic Musical Styles?
Chapter V - Who Created Texas Music? (Top Ten Poll)
Chapter VI - Who Are These Subject Matter Experts?
Chapter VII – Conclusion
Endnotes
Appendix
Review of Literature
Top Ten Texas Influences Poll
Afterword
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Presentation Synopsis: Keynote, Panel, Breakout Sessions
How Has Texas Music Evolved As a Global Presence From the Perspective of Experts in the Field:
From Gene Autry to ZZ Top, Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to organic Texas roots. This panel discussion will focus on the opinions of subject matter experts in the field of Texas music, to determine how this has evolved from an organic folk genre into a global presence. The “how” of this title will ask the question two ways: as we focus on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; and the people who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage. This program brings together the opinions of expert biographers, historians, journalists and music industry leaders in an attempt to define Texas music and determine the strength of Texas influence, primarily on the national, and secondarily on the global music scene. The main purpose of this study is to determine the roots and artistic value of Texas music, and follow the lineage of how it has evolved. By bringing leading experts in Texas music together, this project should provide a foundation for artists, scholars, and others in the field of organic culture and music.
Joe Nick Patoski looks to the songwriter to describe the continued success of Texas music on a global front. He says, “Texas music may be louder and more extreme, but it is definitely based on the singer-songwriter. It all goes back to the campfire. We tell stories real good in Texas, and we always have. We stick out. We talk the way we tell stories, and the way we sing, and the way we set things to music. We are different. And that is the essence of Texas music. It’s telling the story.”
How Has Texas Music Evolved As a Global Presence From the Perspective of Experts in the Field:
From Gene Autry to ZZ Top, Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to organic Texas roots. This panel discussion will focus on the opinions of subject matter experts in the field of Texas music, to determine how this has evolved from an organic folk genre into a global presence. The “how” of this title will ask the question two ways: as we focus on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; and the people who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage. This program brings together the opinions of expert biographers, historians, journalists and music industry leaders in an attempt to define Texas music and determine the strength of Texas influence, primarily on the national, and secondarily on the global music scene. The main purpose of this study is to determine the roots and artistic value of Texas music, and follow the lineage of how it has evolved. By bringing leading experts in Texas music together, this project should provide a foundation for artists, scholars, and others in the field of organic culture and music.
Joe Nick Patoski looks to the songwriter to describe the continued success of Texas music on a global front. He says, “Texas music may be louder and more extreme, but it is definitely based on the singer-songwriter. It all goes back to the campfire. We tell stories real good in Texas, and we always have. We stick out. We talk the way we tell stories, and the way we sing, and the way we set things to music. We are different. And that is the essence of Texas music. It’s telling the story.”
For more information about this project, presentations and speaking engagements, please contact Diana Hendricks.
The Research:
Problem: Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to distinctly Texas roots. The “how” of that title will ask the question two ways: focusing on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; as well as the artists who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage.
Methodology: I asked four broad questions of thirty experts in the music business, a combination of journalists, investors, agents, music directors, historians, and more. Twenty-two responded. Questions posed were: (a) what is Texas music; (b) how has Texas music evolved into a global presence; (c) is this tradition of Texas music growing, dying or remaining static amid the technology of the twenty-first century; and (d) who are the pioneers who created the global impact of Texas music?
Results: Is Texas Music real? Or are we Texas chauvinists who think too highly of our region, and is it simply music made in Texas? Author Joe Nick Patoski says, “Texas music is a sense of sound that represents a lot of things. The key to understanding Texas music is to understand a sense of place. This state is full of immigrants. They help define Texas music. I think the point with Texas music is to prove how un-alike we are – and unlike everybody else.”
How has it evolved? From Gene Autry singing cowboy ballads on the silver screen to James McMurtry filling concert halls across the nation, Texas musicians have made people listen to what they have to say and play. As our cultures meld, our music remains flavored with German, Mexican, Southern, Blues, Zydeco, Cajun, folk and more styles that we bring to the table. We are a state of immigrants. Our music illustrates the passion and pride that defines the Lone Star state.
And what of technology? Music biographer Brian T. Atkinson says, “Authenticity will not evaporate with technology. Impossible. Texas music has no rules. Anything goes. Sure. The sounds might evolve as they always have, but the spirit behind Texas music – adventurous and ambitious, independent and irreverent – will always stay the same.”
Who are these pioneers? Some of the names are as familiar as a cousin or uncle we grew up with, and others are faded memories for even the most devout Texas musicologist. But those who topped the list will gladly share this stage with those who came before them – Vernon Dalhart, Lefty Frizell, Lydia Mendoza and Blind Lemon Jefferson, Narcisco Martinez, Ornette Coleman, and more.
Texas music is distinct. It is broad, immigration-based and as big as the Lone Star State. It is an often-imperfect blend of styles that have been borrowed from others, about which legends have been created and stories made legend. It is Texan. It is American. And it belongs to the world. Listen. You can hear the history in every beat.
Problem: Texas music has grown into a global presence in multiple genres of American music since the early 1930s. While the musical styles discussed in this project are diverse, each is traceable to distinctly Texas roots. The “how” of that title will ask the question two ways: focusing on the geography, immigration, and economic origins; as well as the artists who brought Texas music, talent and sounds to the international stage.
Methodology: I asked four broad questions of thirty experts in the music business, a combination of journalists, investors, agents, music directors, historians, and more. Twenty-two responded. Questions posed were: (a) what is Texas music; (b) how has Texas music evolved into a global presence; (c) is this tradition of Texas music growing, dying or remaining static amid the technology of the twenty-first century; and (d) who are the pioneers who created the global impact of Texas music?
Results: Is Texas Music real? Or are we Texas chauvinists who think too highly of our region, and is it simply music made in Texas? Author Joe Nick Patoski says, “Texas music is a sense of sound that represents a lot of things. The key to understanding Texas music is to understand a sense of place. This state is full of immigrants. They help define Texas music. I think the point with Texas music is to prove how un-alike we are – and unlike everybody else.”
How has it evolved? From Gene Autry singing cowboy ballads on the silver screen to James McMurtry filling concert halls across the nation, Texas musicians have made people listen to what they have to say and play. As our cultures meld, our music remains flavored with German, Mexican, Southern, Blues, Zydeco, Cajun, folk and more styles that we bring to the table. We are a state of immigrants. Our music illustrates the passion and pride that defines the Lone Star state.
And what of technology? Music biographer Brian T. Atkinson says, “Authenticity will not evaporate with technology. Impossible. Texas music has no rules. Anything goes. Sure. The sounds might evolve as they always have, but the spirit behind Texas music – adventurous and ambitious, independent and irreverent – will always stay the same.”
Who are these pioneers? Some of the names are as familiar as a cousin or uncle we grew up with, and others are faded memories for even the most devout Texas musicologist. But those who topped the list will gladly share this stage with those who came before them – Vernon Dalhart, Lefty Frizell, Lydia Mendoza and Blind Lemon Jefferson, Narcisco Martinez, Ornette Coleman, and more.
Texas music is distinct. It is broad, immigration-based and as big as the Lone Star State. It is an often-imperfect blend of styles that have been borrowed from others, about which legends have been created and stories made legend. It is Texan. It is American. And it belongs to the world. Listen. You can hear the history in every beat.