I love updating y’all on what’s going on here in Austin! Texas is so unique and fun, I enjoy sharing stories with you. This one’s about music.
Jeff and I have always loved music. Especially the folksy, singer-songwriter kind of music. One of the things we love most about Texas and especially Austin, is the music. Texas has a rich tradition of raising up talented song writers from all over the state.
I love the song “writer” part of it. I love to picture other writers doing their thing. I picture them in coffee shops and bars and around campfires. I picture them drinking whiskey and staying up late and hanging out in little joints strumming guitars and telling stories. Their songs make me dance and sing and think and pray and feel and cry and hope. Also, I picture all the characters on the TV show Nashville because to me, that’s what being in the music industry looks like.
My kids say all country songs are about trucks and beer. I like the ones about hometowns and farms and Jesus.
We were blessed to attend a cool event this weekend for the Texas Heritage Songwriter’s Association. We heard songwriters sing their songs. This isn’t always the case. They often sell their words and someone else sings them. It was amazing to hear them interpret the songs in the way they wrote them. It felt personal and intimate.
The three people that sang on the first night were Rodney Clawson, his wife Nicolle Galyon, and Raul Malo. If you look these people up you will see what songs they have written and who has sang them onto the charts. It’s pretty incredible.
This event was two nights and both were incredible. The second night we were at ACL and I don’t have any pictures (I was too busy singing and dancing!) but here are some of the first night.
Please note girl in back with cute dress and cowboy boots! LOVE IT!
It should also be noted we were greeted by a red carpet lined with Longhorn Cheerleaders! And the whole night was named after a beloved Longhorn football coach, Darrell K. Royal. So, it was typical Texas. Football and Guitars and Boots. Amen.
It may be obvious at this point that Jeff got himself a signed guitar. He’s so excited!
As for me, I’m thinking I may start writing some songs. I’m sure that’s not hard at all…
Here’s one we heard live…the video is terrible because I’m not good at it (it’s really bad-it will make you dizzy) and I was lost in the music so just close your eyes and listen. This song was written by Rodney Clawson (the guy singing) but was recorded by George Strait. Maybe you know it. 🙂 Also…the guy on the left…Raul Malo…I’m in love with him. He rocks! On the second night, he sang again and he brought the house down. Truly…my new fave. Seriously, get on Spotify…STAT.