The richly diverse ethnic heritage of the Lone Star State has brought to the Southwest a remarkable array of rhythms, instruments, and musical styles that have blended here in unique ways and, in turn, have helped shape the music of the nation and the world.Historian Gary Hartman writes knowingly and lovingly of the Lone Star State's musical traditions. In the first thorough survey of the vast and complex cultural mosaic that has produced what we know today as ""Texas music,"" he paints a broad, panoramic view, offers analysis of the origins of and influences on specific genres, profiles key musicians, and provides guidance to additional sources for further information.A musician himself, Hartman draws on both academic and non-academic sources to give a more complete understanding of the state's remarkable musical heritage. He combines scholarly training in music history and ethnic community studies with first-hand knowledge of how important music is as a cultural medium through which human beings communicate information, ideas, emotions, values, and beliefs and bond together as friends, families, and communities."" The History of Texas Music"" incorporates a selection of well-chosen photographs of both prominent and less well-known artists and describes not only the ethnic origins of much of Texas music but also the cross-pollination among various genres. Today, the music of Texas - which includes Native American music, gospel, blues, ragtime, swing, jazz, rhythm and blues, conjunto, Tejano, cajun, zydeco, western swing, honky tonk, polkas, schottisches, rock & roll, rap, hip hop, and more - reflects the unique cultural dynamics of the Southwest.

About the Author
GARY HARTMAN is founding director of the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University in San Marcos. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Among his publications is the lengthy introduction to The Roots of Texas Music, an edited volume published by Texas A&M University Press.

Reviews
The music of Texas is as broad, diverse, and culturally rich as the state itself. While the subject is complex and daunting, Hartman has done a masterful job of compiling the most salient traits and performers of each genre - from country to jazz - and has at the same time shown how these forms have interrelated with, and enriched, each other. Writing with the assurance of a musician and cultural historian, Hartman helps us to understand both the beauties of these musical genres and the ways in which they have reflected and helped to define the unique Texas character. - Bill C. Malone, Emeritus Professor of History, Tulane University; author of Country Music, USA, and Don't Get above Your Raisin': Country Music and the Southern Working Class



Book Information
ISBN 9781603440028
Author Gary Hartman
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Texas A & M University Press
Publisher Texas A & M University Press
Weight(grams) 553g