Page 19 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2020- Online Magazine

hot spots throughout the Hub City and across the South
Plains. The long rich heritage of West Texas music sings
on into future.
For more insight into the modern history of West Texas
music, check out my book, Almost Like a Professional:
My Life and Career as a West Texas Musician, available
in paperback and eBook at Amazon Books on line and
locally at Josey’s books, Ralph’s Records and the Buddy
photo credit: Justin Robinett Holly Center.

over the globe to come to Levelland, Texas and study
country and bluegrass and all forms of popular music,
sound and video technology, as well as music business.
The popularity of this innovational music program
captured the attention and support of such high-profile
country music stars as Tom T. Hall, Redd Stewart, and
Waylon Jennings. Just a few of the former students of
this program who have gained national and international
fame and recognition include: Lee Ann Womack, Natalie
Maines, Heath Wright of Ricochet, Richie McDonald of
Lonestar, Amanda Shires, Stuart Duncan, Ron Block, Maines Brothers band performing at Coldwater Country nightclub, circa 1983.
Jedd Hughes, Jeff Hyde, and a myriad of highly skilled Photo Credit: TG Caraway/Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library/Texas Tech
musicians, songwriters, recording studio engineers and University
producers. Additionally, a slew of gifted graduates of
the program have become well-known and beloved local
performers at venues such as the Cactus Theater.

I am often asked, “How do you explain all the great
music that has come out of this flat, dry land of West
Texas?” Singer, songwriter, Joe Ely, when asked that
very question once quipped, “There’s nothin’ else to
do.” Musical history has revealed that, from Bob Wills
and Buddy Holly to Natalie Maines and David Gaschen,
this patch of hard country has produced some of the
most revered and influential music makers the world has
ever known. I am of the belief that all this great music
has come from the heart of West Texas: the family. In
my more than fifty years as a performer, I have been
fortunate to work with some of the world’s most talented
and creative people and to experience, first-hand, the
incredible and influential West Texas musical family
legacies which include the Maines, Moyers, Caldwells,
Hancocks, Brownlows, Blakelys and so many other West
Texas families.

Today, giant wind turbines tower over pump jacks,
cotton fields, and vineyards dotting the West Texas
landscape. Young musicians, along with seasoned
veteran performers, continue to showcase their unique
talents in exciting venues like the Cactus Theater, the
famous Depot District and other popular entertainment

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