Musical magic hit Austin, Texas, in the early 1970s. At now-legendary venues such as Threadgill's, Vulcan Gas Company, and the Armadillo World Headquarters, a host of country, rock-and-roll, blues, and folk musicians came together and created a sound and a scene that Jan Reid vividly detailed in his 1974 book, The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock. The breadth of talent still astounds--Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Jerry Jeff Walker, Doug Sahm, Delbert McClinton, Michael Martin Murphey, Willis Alan Ramsey, Kinky Friedman, Steve Fromholz, Bobby Bridger, Billy Joe Shaver, Marcia Ball, and Townes Van Zandt. Reid's book even inspired the nationally popular and long-running PBS series Austin City Limits, which focused attention on the trends that fed the music scene--progressive country, country rock, western swing, blues, and bluegrass among them. In this new edition, Jan Reid revitalizes his classic look at the Austin music scene. He has substantially reworked the early chapters to include musicians and musical currents from other parts of Texas that significantly contributed to the delightful convergence of popular cultures in Austin. Four new chapters and an epilogue show how the creative burst of the seventies directly spawned a new generation of talents who carry on the tradition--Lyle Lovett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, Jimmy LaFave, Kelly Willis, Joe Ely, Bruce and Charlie Robison, and The Dixie Chicks.
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About the Author
JAN REID, of Austin, Texas, is the author or coauthor of six books, including The Bullet Meant for Me: A Memoir. He is a founding contributor and writer-at-large for Texas Monthly and has also written for Esquire, the New York Times, Men's Journal, GQ, and Slate.
SCOTT NEWTON has been the still photographer for Austin City Limits for the last twenty-five years.
SCOTT NEWTON has been the still photographer for Austin City Limits for the last twenty-five years.
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JAN REID is a writer-at-large for Texas Monthly and has contributed to Esquire, GQ, Slate, Men's Journal, the New York Times, and many other publications. His books include Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock, The Bullet Meant for Me, Deerinwater, and Rio Grande.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent primer for fans of Texas alt-country,
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This review is from: The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock: New Edition (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture) (Hardcover)
Jan Reid's excellent update of his previously published work is a must-read for any fans of the Texas country music scene, both present and past. Reid updates his book with added chapters and descriptive passages, tracing the development of the sounds and styles that have virtually defined Texas music. This is as much a work of Texana as it is a musical history. It's important writing, and it carries significant cultural weight behind it.
Reid's writing is much like the characters that he writes about. Rambling, disjointed at times, occasionally losing track of a theme or a story, but always interesting. Virtually all of the seminal Texas cosmic cowboys are profiled here, from the early years of Doug Sahm and the 13th Floor Elevators, to Willis Alan Ramsey, Michael Martin Murphey, Kinky Friedman, and many more. Reid's updated material profiles the modern-day inheritors of the style, such as Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, and Jimmy LaFave. Reid even covers the blues influence, with good source material on Marcia Ball, and the immortal Steve Ray Vaughn. If you're a fan of this music, get this book. If you're wanting to know what Austin was like back when it was still a smallish college town and a haven for redneck hippies, get this book. If you want to know about the music that has provided a background soundtrack for the lifestyle of many Texans, get this book. It's the real deal. Every music fan in Austin should own a copy.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Of more interest to locals,
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This review is from: The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock: New Edition (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture) (Hardcover)
This book focuses a lot on the people behind the scenes who made the clubs happen in Austin and some folks who didn't make it to the big time. An extraordinary local history, probably a tad windy for those only interested in the music.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read if you listen to Texas music or 'alt country',
This review is from: The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock: New Edition (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture) (Hardcover)
This is THE book. I could not put it down. Every page was a jolt for someone who has listened to this music since 1974 or so. The newer added chapters at the end cover Robert Earl Keen and some newer artists. Just an amazing book about Austin music and everything you need to know about the difference between Nashville country and real American music.
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