Texas Myth/Texas Music
Date
2001-03
Authors
Malone, Bill C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Center for Texas Music History
Abstract
Over twenty years ago I interviewed Harold "Pappy" Daily in Houston. Daily had been a successful music promoter for many years, especially instrumental in the early success of George Jones, the legendary country honky tonk singer from Beaumont. When asked why Jones and some of his contemporaries such as Ray Price were such good singers, Daily looked at me incredulously and said, “Because they’re from Texas!” Although probably said in jest, his statement embodied elements of both truth and fiction. While Texas has produced many of America’s greatest musicians (with mere residence in the state undoubtedly contributing to the shaping of their art), Daily’s response also reveals the prevalent mythology that has surrounded the popularization of all forms of Texas music.
Description
Keywords
Texas, Music, History, Myth