Austin musicians

From Soap Creek Saloon to Willie Nelson’s Picnic, 1973 Was the Year Austin Music Peaked

February 21, 2023 | By Michael Corcoran

Back in 1986, while Stevie Ray Vaughan was becoming an MTV guitar hero, three Austin acts—Charlie Sexton, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Timbuk3—had Top 20 hits, making the year a great one in touting the Texas capital as a vital music scene.

For His New Project, Darden Smith Found Inspiration and Healing in West Texas

March 4, 2022 | By Joe Gross

Austin Piano Great Marcia Ball is Still Tickling Them Ivories

October 4, 2018 | By

When Marcia Ball gets to rocking—her long fingers pounding out barrelhouse keyboard rhythms, knees bouncing to the beat, the band locked into the groove—it can be downright difficult to sit still. The Austin piano player has been getting people to their feet for decades with her joyful take on rhythm and blues and a voice steeped in Gulf Coast soul.