I was familiar with Michael Cochoran's work at the Austin Chronicle and Austin American Statesman. I believe he has found his place in the world as a music historian rather than a music critic. The Austin of the past that we both knew (I moved there in 1975) is long gone, and at least those memories have been collected by Michael and other writers like Ed Ward. I would like to read a book about the current musicians in Texas, but I don't think Michael Cochoran will be the person to write that book.

An excellent survey of Texas music, creatively organized by locality. This means '30's jazz pioneers appear along side blues, rock'n'roll and tejano music. Everyone who is anyone is here including Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Doug Sahm, Freddy Fender, Barbara Lynn, Ernest Tubb, and Guy Clark. The list goes on and on. A wealth of personal and musical information about each artist. highly recommended.

A fun read about a lot of talented folks from one amazing place.

I really enjoyed reading this book. First of all some of the musicians I have heard about or listen to already. Some like Janis Joplin I did not know that she grew up in Texas or even some of the struggles that she went through, so I can understand why she left to California the bay area and the way some of her music was. The author takes you through Jazz, Blues, rock, gospel, country, hip-hop, and conjunto. But it was finding out about King Curtis, Ella Mae, Arizona Dranes, Cindy Walker, Washington Philips, Billy Joe Shiver to just name a few I had never heard of. But pick up this book and look for some of the people that are mentioned in this book because all of them have some way been part of music history. Blind Willie Johnson lead to so many blues players along with T- Bone Walker, who are both in the book and Walker who wrote a great blues song “Stormy Monday”, also influenced B.B King. There are others of course Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Selena. Anyway you get what I am trying to say about this book. It is a very good book and a must read for any music fan.

Thirty-two profiles of Texas musicians, some more well known than others. This collection from Michael Corcoran's writing gives a story to often overlook and forgotten musicians but also includes the world icons that we all love today.

This is a book for a fan of Texas, a fan of music history or...just a fan. From Selena to the Butthole Surfers, Corcoran covers the spectrum of Texas music.

Now, off to listen to some Stevie Ray Vaughn...

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!