Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
20 notable musicians and bands from Austin, Texas
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

20 notable musicians and bands from Austin, Texas

With a music scene so legendary that it earned the moniker "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin, Texas has held a major influence on the world of music throughout the decades. From country to electro-dance music and everything in between, musicians who called Austin home at one time or another have made indelible marks on their respective genres. 

Flip through the slideshow below for a look at Austin's most iconic artists, ranging from psych-rock pioneer Rocky Erickson to experimental duo Explosions In The Sky and more. 

 
1 of 20

Roky Erickson

Roky Erickson
Guy Clark/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

One of the most innovative musicians in psychedelic rock, Roky Erickson never quite gained the level of prominence his talents deserved. Born in Dallas, Erickson moved to Austin as a child and dropped out of Travis High School in 1965. From there, he started a band called the Spades and then, at age 18, formed the 13th Floor Elevators. After struggling with mental illness for decades, Erickson made a musical comeback in the mid-2000s, earning a whole new crop of fans for his always-experimental sound. 

 
2 of 20

Gary Clark Jr.

Gary Clark Jr.
Nick Pickles/Redferns

Born in Austin and a guitarist from the age of 12, Gary Clark Jr.’s music spans rock, blues, soul, and R&B. In Austin, he played alongside legends like Jimmie Vaughan and has since grown into a bonafide music star, with four Grammy Awards under his belt. In 2020, Clark won Best Rock Song, Best Contemporary Blues Album, and Best Rock Performance for his album “This Land.” 

 
3 of 20

Ghostland Observatory

Ghostland Observatory
Brian Feinzimer/Getty Images

Dance-friendly duo Ghostland Observatory, comprised of Aaron Behrens and Thomas Ross Turner, formed in Austin in 2004 and released their first full-length album a year later. Austin has been integral to the band’s rise, thanks to performances on the iconic “Austin City Limits” stage and shows at music festival South By Southwest. 

 
4 of 20

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson
Taylor Hill/Getty Images

A native of Abbott, about two hours north of Austin, Willie Nelson moved to Austin in 1972 after “retiring” from Nashville music. From there, he became a prominent fixture of the city’s music scene, performing regularly at the Armadillo World Headquarters, and staking his name as one of the founding fathers of outlaw country. In 1974, Nelson produced and appeared in the first-ever episode of the long-running PBS series filmed in Austin, “Austin City Limits.” 

 
5 of 20

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin
Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Born a few hours away in Port Arthur, Janis Joplin entered the legendary Austin music scene as a student at the University of Texas. There, she joined her first bands and made her first-ever recording of the song “What Good Can Drinkin’ Do” in 1962 in Austin. 

 
6 of 20

James McMurtry

James McMurtry
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images

The son of much-lauded American author Larry McMurtry, James McMurtry was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in Virginia. As an adult, he came back to San Antonio, not far from Austin, and later moved to the Capital City. He’s a frequent performer at the city's Continental Club with his band. 

 
7 of 20

Shakey Graves

Shakey Graves
Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Born Alejandro Rose-Garcia in 1987, the Americana artist known as Shakey Graves is a one-man band whose music deftly blends rock, folk, and blues. His most recent album, Can’t Wake Up, was released in 2018. 

 
8 of 20

Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman
Paul Natkin/Getty Images)

A Texas humorist and musician who’s run for governor a couple of times, Richard “Kinky” Friedman is one of the city’s most prominent storytellers. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1966, Friedman went on to serve in the Peace Corps and in 1973, formed his band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys, with whom he rose to prominence in the mid-1970s. 

 
9 of 20

Jerry Jeff Walker

Jerry Jeff Walker
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Perhaps best known for his song “Mr. Bojangles,” Jerry Jeff Walker was born in New York and relocated to Austin in the 1970s, where he earned the respect of artists like Willie Nelson, Guy Clark, and Waylon Jennings. Walker died in Austin in 2020, after a lengthy battle with throat cancer, at the age of 78. 

 
10 of 20

Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams
Paul Natkin/Getty Images

A country icon with an outlaw soul, Lucinda Williams was born in Louisiana and started her music career in Austin in the 1970s. Later, Williams moved to Los Angeles, where she built a cult-following of fans and minor mainstream success. In 1989, Williams made a critically acclaimed appearance on PBS’s Austin City Limits. 

 
11 of 20

Asleep At The Wheel

Asleep At The Wheel
David McNew/Newsmakers

A group that blends Western swing, country, and Texas’s distinct musical influence, Asleep at the Wheel headed to Austin on the advice of Willie Nelson in 1974. Since then, they’ve become stalwarts of the state’s music scene, recording dozens of full-length and live albums throughout the decades. 

 
12 of 20

Spoon

Spoon
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW

An indie band that rose to prominence in the early 2000s, Spoon was first formed by lead singer Britt Daniel and drummer Jim Eno in Austin in 1993. The band released its first major-label album in 1996, but really hit it big with 2007’s “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.” The band’s most recent album was released in 2016, but Spoon is currently planning to release its 10th full-length album sometime in 2021. 

 
13 of 20

Townes Van Zandt

Townes Van Zandt
Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images

A legendary songwriter known for hits like “Pancho and Lefty,” recorded by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and lived in Austin for a number of years. He met Bob Dylan, a noted fan of Van Zandt’s introspective songwriting, in the city’s iconic South Congress district. Later, Van Zandt moved to Tennessee, where he lived largely off the grid before his death in 1997. 

 
14 of 20

Daniel Johnston

Daniel Johnston
Jordi Vidal/Redferns via Getty Images

Arguably one of the most remarkable songwriters in Texas music history, Daniel Johnston first attracted attention from Austin music fans while working at a McDonald’s restaurant in the 1980s. He’d moved to the city just a few years earlier, and started making music before developing severe mental illness. Music fans started paying attention to Johnston in the early ‘90s, when Kurt Cobain wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the art from Johnston’s 1983 album “Hi How Are You.” 

 
15 of 20

Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum
Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images

A rising country star born in the Houston suburb of Conroe, Parker McCollum currently makes his home base in Austin. In 2015, McCollum started attracting attention from country fans after the release of his independent album “The Limestone Kid,” earning him comparisons to Texas Country greats like Charlie Robison. In 2019, McCollum signed his first major-label deal with Universal Music Group’s MCA Nashville imprint. 

 
16 of 20

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead
Marc Broussely/Redferns

Alt-rock faves And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, co-founded by Jason Reece and Conrad Keely, really got its start after the two musicians moved to Austin in the late ‘90s. Since, the band has built a cult following of fans of its hardcore-influenced sound, and released 10 full-length albums. 

 
17 of 20

Shawn Colvin

Shawn Colvin
Gie Knaeps/Getty Images

Born in South Dakota, Shawn Colvin moved to Austin after joining a band with college friends while attending Southern Illinois University. It wasn’t until 1993, though, that Colvin really became an Austinite, moving back to the city shortly after the success of her debut album “Steady On” in 1989. She still makes a home in the city and was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame in 2019. 

 
18 of 20

Explosions in the Sky

Explosions in the Sky
Katja Ogrin/Redferns

This innovative post-rock four-piece from Austin got its start in 1999, when Midland, Texas natives Michael James, Munaf Rayani, and Mark Smith joined forces with drummer Chris Hrasky. After releasing albums and earning a local fanbase, the band wrote the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed film Friday Night Lights, about Texas high school football, in 2004. 

 
19 of 20

Bob Schneider

Bob Schneider
Suzanne Cordeiro/Corbis via Getty Images

A regular in the Austin music scene — and Texas more broadly — Bob Schneider made his way to the city after dropping out of the University of Texas at El Paso. His presence in the scene has been honored with more than 50 Austin Music Awards, starting in 1992, when he was playing with bands like Joe Rock Head and Ugly Americans. 

 
20 of 20

Black Joe Lewis

Black Joe Lewis
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Formed in Austin in 2007, Black Joe Lewis and the Honey Bears do an incredible job of fusing blues, rock, and soul in a decidedly eclectic, uniquely Austin way. They’re a favorite of the festival circuit thanks to the band’s endlessly energetic live performances. 

Amy McCarthy

Amy McCarthy is a Texas-based journalist. Follow her on twitter at @aemccarthy

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
MLB

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe

With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement
NHL

Rangers Sign Former Stanley Cup Champion to Tryout Agreement

The New York Rangers are adding to their forward depth ahead of their upcoming training camp. The Rangers are entering a new chapter of their organization under new head coach Mike Sullivan. After missing the postseason last year, the organization is trying to rebound and respond accordingly in 2025 and 2026. Former Stanley Cup champion forward Conor Sheary is the latest player to join the new-look Rangers. The veteran forward agreed to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the club and will look to earn an NHL deal with his performance in training camp and the preseason. Sheary is a veteran of 593 NHL games. Originally an undrafted free agent, he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins after completing his collegiate career. Following a year with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, he forced his way onto the NHL squad after posting 36 points in his first 30 games of the 2015-2016 season at the AHL level. His debut NHL season went better than ever expected, and he was a key part of the Penguins' lineup that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sheary's coach at the time, both at the AHL and NHL levels, was Mike Sullivan. Now, he'll get the chance to reunite with the coach under whom he won two championships. In addition to playing for the Penguins, Sheary has played for three other NHL franchises. The Pens dealt him to the Buffalo Sabres before the 2018-2019 campaign, but he would return to Pittsburgh the following season at the trade deadline. After his second stint with the Penguins, he joined the Washington Capitals. He played three seasons in Washington, D.C. before landing with the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he spent the past two years. Over his 593 career games, he's compiled 124 goals and 143 assists for 267 points. His best NHL season came during the 2016-2017 campaign, his second in the league. He scored 23 goals and added 30 assists for 53 points in 61 regular-season games.

Yankees add needed infielder in trade with Nationals
MLB

Yankees add needed infielder in trade with Nationals

The New York Yankees had been on the search for a right-handed hitting infielder. They found their man late Saturday night. Jack Curry from YES Network reported that the Yankees acquired infielder Amed Rosario from the Nationals. In exchange, the Yankees are sending pitcher Clayton Beeter and minor league outfielder Browm Martinez to Washington. The Yankees had been looking for a right-handed hitting infielder in the wake of acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon on Friday. Rosario is exactly the type of player the Yankees had sought - a solid option capable of playing second and third. He had posted a .270/.310/.426 batting line in 158 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting five homers and eight doubles. Rosario's greatest attribute for the Yankees is his ability to hit left-handed pitching. He has a .299/.333/.483 batting line in 99 plate appearances against lefties this season, with three homers and seven doubles. He and McMahon should form a solid platoon at the hot corner in New York. However, the Yankees paid a steep price to bring Rosario on board for the next several months. Beeter had been ranked as the Yankees' 20th-best prospect per MLB.com, with his upper-90s fastball and wipeout slider both considered plus offerings. He has operated strictly as a reliever this season, where both his ability to miss bats and questionable command have been apparent. Martinez had been considered a player to watch heading into the season by FanGraphs, citing his solid contact rates and projectability. The 18-year-old is years away from making an impact, but has posted an impressive .404/.507/.632 batting line in 69 plate appearances in the Dominican Summer League, hitting three homers and four doubles while stealing 13 bases. His ability to make contact has been impressive, as Martinez has drawn six walks with just eight strikeouts this season. A promotion stateside could be in the cards before the end of the year.

New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
MLB

New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez

The Arizona Diamondbacks have plenty of suitors for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. A new team has reportedly entered the market for his services. Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the Phillies have reached out regarding Suarez. While Lauber did not provide any indication as to whether or not those talks have gained traction, the Phillies are an intriguing suitor for the Diamondbacks' third baseman. The Phillies' interest may be a recent development. Jon Heyman of the New York Post speculated on Friday that the Phillies could emerge as a suitor in the wake of third baseman Alec Bohm landing on the injured list with a fractured left rib. Suarez is in the midst of what is arguably his best season thus far. He has produced a .249/.321/.587 batting line in 421 plate appearances entering Saturday with 36 homers and a major league-leading 87 RBI. Suarez would be more than just another powerful bat in the lineup. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and first baseman Bryce Harper are both left-handed hitters — adding Suarez would provide more balance in the batting order. He would also provide a counter against opposing managers bringing in a lefty reliever to face Schwarber and Harper. The biggest question would be how the Phillies would handle an eventual logjam on the roster. Bohm is expected to return from the IL in mid-August and would not have a clear path to regular at-bats if Suarez were acquired. Schwarber could theoretically return to left field to open up playing time at the DH spot, but his outfield defense is mediocre at best. However, as the Phillies are also looking to upgrade the outfield, where Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh have been disappointments, adding Suarez could solve several problems in one fell swoop.