The Music of Austin

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and its residents are proud to say we have earned this title. On any given night live concerts are playing at hundreds of locations throughout the city. Many innovative and internationally known musical groups have come out of Austin over the years.

Historical Background

Most Austin's best known musical venues are located in the downtown area, particularly along the famous Sixth Street. This area began developing in the 1940's, although at that time it was mostly known for its restaurants. The musical aspect of the area began to develop in the 1960's, when a local brand of country music became widely popularized by musician Willie Nelson.

Several venues that opened in the area contributed greatly to the city's musical boom. The Vulcan Gas Company, later renamed the Armadillo World Headquarters, and a blues club named Antone's became very popular for the variety of talented musicians they showcased. As more and more people began attending concerts downtown, Austin began to gain a reputation as a place where newly formed bands could find an eager and open-minded audience.

This reputation drew musicians to the area from all over the country. Before long Austin was home to far more than the traditional country bands. Local music groups covered an impressive range of styles, from punk to reggae to blues to techno. From 1975 on, this variety was proudly showcased on the television show Austin City Limits, which grew into an annual music festival in 2005.

Today, Austin remains the home of many talented and original musical groups. Just a few of the city's best-known local groups include Los Lonely Boys, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

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