9 Texas Towns that Produced Music Legends
It’s no secret that Texas has given us some of life’s purest joys—Tex-Mex, Whataburger, gorgeous desert sunsets, and Texas two-step to name a few. But did you know that some of the music industry’s biggest talent has come from Texas? In fact, several well-known—and some not so well-known—towns boast of their connection to some of our favorite music artists. Which towns? So glad you asked. We made you a list of 9 towns associated with famous musicians, so you can take a musical tour through Texas in your RV!
San Marcos
George Strait, or King George as he’s called, was born in the little Strawberry-producin’ town of Poteet, Texas. But it was in San Marcos, at a honky tonk called Cheatham Street Warehouse, that Strait played his first gig. Strait discovered a love for music in high school but didn’t earn a name for himself until long after. Today, it’s hard to find anyone who’s never heard of George Strait, one of country music’s biggest names.
Lubbock
Legendary Rock n’ Roll pioneer Buddy Holly was born in this north Texas town during the Great Depression. Best known for hits like “That’ll Be the Day” and “Peggy Sue,” Buddy Holly gave inspiration to some of the rock scene’s most renowned artists. Stop in Lubbock on your next RV adventure and visit the Buddy Holly Center.
Abbott
This small Hill County town is the hometown of country music legend Willie Nelson. Though Nelson has traversed the country and even the world to perform for his devoted fans, Abbott is still very close to his heart. Visit this town to see the Hill County Courthouse, reconstructed thanks to funds raised from two Willie Nelson concerts. You might even spend a Sunday morning at the Abbott United Methodist Church, purchased by Nelson in 2006.
Houston
Kenny Rogers hails from this Texas city. Rogers started his music career in the 1950s when he joined jazz band The Bobby Doyle Three. Rogers navigated genres like pop and rock as well, but he is best known for his contributions to country music—earning his place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Corpus Christi
Selena Quintanilla was born in Lake Jackson, Texas, but her music career took off in Corpus Christi. In the late 80s and early 90s, Selena earned her title as the Queen of Tejano. Every year, Fiesta de la Flor is held in her honor in Downtown Corpus where Selena fans, young and old, come to celebrate her life and legacy.
Port Arthur
Famed rocker Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur, Texas. She was a self-proclaimed misfit who would later become a prominent figure in the 1960s music scene. Despite a strained relationship with her hometown, you can find tributes to Joplin at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur.
Dallas
Most associate Stevie Ray Vaughan with Austin where he used to play gigs in smoky bars and blues clubs, but Vaughan was originally from Dallas. Until recently, not much has been done in Dallas to commemorate the late rock star, but soon fans will be able to visit a sculpture erected in his honor at Kiest Park. Until then, you can pay your respects at his burial site at Laurel Land Memorial Park.
El Paso
El Paso is the birthplace of Singin’ in the Rain star Debbie Reynolds. Born Mary Francis Reynolds, she lived in El Paso during the Great Depression where she would entertain her neighbors by singing and dancing for them. Reynolds went on to pilot a career that spanned 7 decades, dazzling audiences on the screen and serenading them with songs like “Tammy” and “Aba Daba Honeymoon.”
Austin: Live Music Capital of the World
Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” As a city that has ushered so many no-name artists into the spotlight, Austin embodies the heart and soul of Texas music. Many recall Willie Nelson’s concert at the Armadillo World Headquarter in 1970—the day both rednecks and hippies crowded together to enjoy the same music. That was the day, they say, modern Austin music culture was born. Since then, Austin has provided the space for artists to hone their craft and carve out names for themselves in the music industry.
Still looking for the perfect travel trailer or fifth wheel? Come see us at Howdy Ranch RV! We’re located on the I-37 access in Mathis, exit #34. Driving distance from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, McAllen, Laredo, & Victoria.