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.
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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.
The John and Robin Dickson Series in Texas Music, sponsored by
the Center for Texas Music History at Texas State University
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