Music
December 13, 2023
How Pentatonix Turned “Hallelujah” From a Horny Anthem Into a Christmas Standard
The Arlington a capella group stood before the lord of song, declaring “Hallelujah” to be holiday music.
Music
Storytelling and reviews about the artists and trends that define the sounds of the Lone Star State
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1-50 of 1782 Articles
Music
December 8, 2023
Even When Jon Dee Graham Dies, He Doesn’t Stay Dead
The Texas punk pioneer and Hall of Fame singer-songwriter reflects on the release of his first solo album since a 2019 heart attack.
Music
December 6, 2023
In ‘Renaissance,’ Beyoncé Finds Freedom in Control
The concert film is a performance masterpiece, but it also raises questions about the artist’s messaging.
Best Thing in Texas
December 5, 2023
A Texas Elementary School Might Have a Grammy in the Trophy Case Soon
Vicki Nichols, a music teacher at Grandview Elementary, has been nominated for the award for her innovative strings program.
Music
November 29, 2023
The Philadelphia Eagles Covered Willie Nelson’s “Pretty Paper” for Christmas. We Regret to Inform Cowboys Fans That It Slaps.
With Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield singing harmonies, to boot.
Music
November 24, 2023
What Nanci Griffith Knew About Texas
Two years after her death, reissued records and a tribute album remind us to revisit Nanci’s remarkable voice, which could only ever have been from Texas.
Best Thing in Texas
November 10, 2023
A Texas Teen Is Introducing Pedal Steel Guitar to a New Generation
Noah Faulkner’s popular twangy covers countrify songs by Duran Duran, Joy Division, U2, and more.
Music
November 9, 2023
Mickey Guyton Is Still Finding Her Way in the Country Music Industry
The Arlington native has earned four Grammy nominations, performed at the Super Bowl, and toured with Shania Twain. But is she “Nashville” yet?
Music
November 6, 2023
The Mountain Goats Have Returned to West Texas
On the new album ‘Jenny From Thebes,’ the indie band revives the characters from ‘All Hail West Texas,’ its seminal 2002 exploration of life in the Lone Star State.
Sports
October 27, 2023
How the Texas Rangers Taught Me to Stop Worrying and Love Creed
The World Series–bound Texas Rangers have embraced the much-maligned band with arms wide open. And it turns out that Creed kinda slaps.
Music
October 27, 2023
Texas Parks & Wildlife Just Released One of the Best Albums of the Year
The compilation cover album Texas Wild, which includes pairings such as Adrian Quesada and Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” was curated by a mad Texan genius.
Film & TV
October 18, 2023
Four Reasons November Will Be a Great Month in Texas Culture
A Texas legend finally gets top billing, Willie spills on his songs, the Black Pumas return, and Sugar Land hosts Honeyland.
Music
October 5, 2023
7 Texan Musical Acts to See at This Year’s ACL Fest
From Cigarettes After Sex to Tanya Tucker, there’s a Texan for every genre.
Music
October 5, 2023
ACL Fest Boasts 50-Plus Food and Drink Vendors. These Are the Ones We Don’t Want to Miss.
We’ve curated a lineup of fantastic local meals to perfectly complement your weekend of music and good vibes at Zilker Park.
Music
October 4, 2023
How Rattlesnake Milk Conjures Songs of Psychedelic Desperation From the Texas Plains
Four lifelong friends from the Panhandle, about to play their first Austin City Limits festival, formed a novel country sound.
Music
September 19, 2023
Remembering Charlie Robison, Always the Coolest Dude in the Room
Before his anthems had listeners raising their longnecks and singing along, Charlie took me on road trips and taught me there was more to music than country.
Film & TV
September 18, 2023
The Best Books, Film, TV, Art, and More Coming to Texas This Fall
From demon-possessed children to a world premiere ballet, our writers and editors share the art they’re most looking forward to this season.
Music
September 14, 2023
For Willie Nelson’s 151st Album, He Takes On a Whole New Genre: Bluegrass
A supergroup of strings player helps take a mix of Willie anthems and deep cuts to a whole new, banjo-picking level.
Music
September 11, 2023
Tanya Tucker, Outlaw
Decades after the Nashville establishment turned its back on Tanya Tucker, the spitfire from Seminole is finally getting the recognition she deserves. But maybe Music Row needs her more than she needs Music Row.
Music
September 6, 2023
Ben Kweller Is Playing Through the Pain
The beloved indie rocker was set to coheadline a summer tour with his sixteen-year-old son. When Dorian died this February, his father sought refuge the only way he could: in their shared love of music.
Sports
August 30, 2023
What the Texas Big 12 Football Coaches’ Favorite Musicians Tell Us About Them
Sark bangs Tupac, the Baylor and TCU coaches pump themselves up with Dave Matthews Band, and guess who loves Post Malone?
One by Willie
August 25, 2023
Dave Cobb on the Beautiful, Barren Landscape of Willie Nelson’s ‘Red Headed Stranger’
The Nashville superproducer on “Time of the Preacher” and the one thing artists like Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell all say about Willie.
Meanwhile, in Texas
August 9, 2023
Post Malone Bought a $2 Million Magic: The Gathering Card, Because Sure, Why Not?
The Grapevine-raised pop star and collectibles enthusiast has taken his fandom to a whole new level.
Music
August 8, 2023
Grupo Frontera Knows the Rules of the Regional Mexican Music Genre. It’s Breaking Them.
After months of chart-topping singles, the Edinburg group has released ‘El Comienzo,’ a debut album filled with nods to the past—and an eye toward the future.
Music
August 8, 2023
Alan Palomo of Neon Indian Is Set to Return With His First Album in Eight Years
A deep dive into the song “Nudista Mundial ’89,” from Palomo’s new album, ‘World of Hassle,’ out September 15.
One by Willie
July 28, 2023
The Story Behind Sinéad O’Connor’s Duet with Willie Nelson
It was October 1992 and the Irish singer, who died earlier this week, was being excoriated in the press following her appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live.’
Texas History
July 28, 2023
The Myths and Melodies of Forgotten Bluesman Texas Alexander
The early blues singer helped define the genre and achieved major success—until a story of murder tainted his legacy.
Music
July 24, 2023
Big Pokey Was Houston’s Hip-hop Sensei. These Are His Five Greatest Raps.
Pokey, who died in June at age 48, was a founding member of the Screwed Up Click—and Houston’s distinct rap sound.
One by Willie
July 21, 2023
Waylon Payne on the Multiple Times He Credits Willie Nelson With Saving His Life
The singer-songwriter talks about growing up as country royalty and Willie’s cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
Music
July 20, 2023
A New Music Festival in Mexia Aims to Save a Country Songwriting Legend’s House From Destruction
Cindy Walker Days pays tribute to one of the greatest country songwriters ever while raising funds to save her Mexia house—and all the treasures it holds.
One by Willie
July 14, 2023
Foo Fighter Chris Shiflett on the Unlikely Intersection of Willie, Waylon Jennings, “Good Hearted Woman,” and Kiss’s ‘Alive II’
The Foos’ lead guitarist and ‘Shred With Shifty’ podcast host discusses an outlaw anthem and the technical specs of a great Willie guitar solo.
Music
July 11, 2023
Erykah Badu Hasn’t Had a Hit in Twenty Years. She’s on the Biggest Tour of Her Life.
Though the South Dallas–born queen of neo-soul hasn’t dropped an album in over a decade, she’s currently on her biggest tour yet.
Music
July 7, 2023
Norah Jones on ‘Little Broken Hearts,’ the Breakup Album That Healed Her
The multiplatinum artist, who has released a new deluxe version of the 2012 record, reflects on the dark (and fun) L.A. summer when it was written.
Music
July 6, 2023
Ryan Bingham Goes Nineties Dad Rock in a New Cover of “Possum Kingdom”
On the latest single from ‘Texas Wild,’ a forthcoming tribute album stacked with state classics, you can hear the joy in Bingham’s weathered voice.
One by Willie
June 30, 2023
Ray Benson on Bob Wills, Cindy Walker, and Willie Nelson’s Version of “Going Away Party”
The Grammy-winning founder of Asleep at the Wheel on fifty years of friendship with Willie, with cameos by George Gershwin, Floyd Tillman, and Robert Duvall.
One by Willie
June 23, 2023
Amanda Shires Pays Tribute to Her Hero and Friend Bobbie Nelson
The singer-songwriter and virtuoso fiddle player talks faith, family bands, and her new album of duets with Willie Nelson’s late sister.
Art
June 21, 2023
The Best Books, Film, TV, Art, and More Coming to Texas This Summer
Meow Wolf finally opens! Jamie Foxx returns to Netflix! Erykah Badu is on tour! Vampires are at war?
Music
June 21, 2023
Balmorhea’s Music Is Unbound From Space and Time—but Not Texas
The Austin neoclassical group’s new album, ‘Pendant World,’ evokes the natural wonder of the Lone Star State.
One by Willie
June 16, 2023
Willie Nelson’s Son Micah on Trigger, Roger Miller, and “Still Is Still Moving to Me”
On this special Father’s Day episode, Micah Nelson describes his dad’s “face-melting” guitar playing, plus his favorite sixties-era Willie song that most fans have forgotten.
Art
June 14, 2023
A True Swiftie Visits the Arlington Museum of Art’s Taylor Swift Exhibit
The superstar has a collection of memorabilia on display in North Texas. But for die-hard Taylor Swift fans, is it worth the trip?
Music
June 12, 2023
How Texas Is Jessie Murph and Maren Morris’s “Texas”? A Texas Monthly Investigation
The rising Alabama alt-pop artist and the Arlington country star aim for a classic Texas breakup song. Do they hit the mark?
Music
June 12, 2023
These Three Texas Hotels Were Made for Music Lovers
Expect suite sounds when you check in.
Music
June 12, 2023
Hayden Pedigo’s Perfect Song for Moving Across Texas
A deep dive into a track from the guitarist’s latest album, ‘The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored.’
One by Willie
June 9, 2023
Brené Brown on the Way Willie Nelson’s Version of “Amazing Grace” Changed Her Life
The revered researcher, author, and TED Talker discusses faith, grace, acceptance, and the world’s favorite gospel hymn.
Music
June 8, 2023
Miranda Lambert and Leon Bridges, in Their First Joint Interview, on Their Heartbreaking New Duet
The Texan superstars paired up on “If You Were Mine,” Lambert’s first single since leaving her record label.
One by Willie
June 2, 2023
Daniel Lanois on Recording Willie Nelson’s Landmark Album ‘Teatro’
The legendary producer discusses art that exists only in shadows and the way U2 tries to summon Willie when they write songs.
Texas Country Reporter
May 26, 2023
The Niche Czech Radio Show That Still Reaches Listeners After Fifty Years
Radio DJ David Kolar hosts The American Czech Hour, which broadcasts from Hillsboro across a 25-mile radius.
One by Willie
May 26, 2023
Ray Wylie Hubbard on “Whiskey River,” Strong Weed, and Willie Nelson’s Smile
The legendary singer-songwriter and longtime Willie buddy discusses a song many consider the national anthem of Texas, plus why drummer Paul English was not a fan of the Eagles.
Music
May 22, 2023
Hannah Jadagu’s Confessional R&B Song Is About a Different Kind of Love
The Mesquite native revives 2010s R&B sounds in "Admit It," a song off her debut album, Aperture.
Texas History
May 16, 2023
Selena and the Geto Boys Changed Texas Music at the Same Time
The Geto Boys and Selena set the stage in the early nineties for the transformation of Texas music.