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Books on Texas blues delve into the rich history and distinctive style of blues music that emerged from Texas highlighting its unique sound, influential artist, and significant contributions to the blues genre as a whole.
Some books about Texas Blues are:: “Texas Blues: The Rise of a Contemporary Sound:”, “The Roots of Texas Music”, “Lone Star Swing, On the Trail of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys”,” Stevie Ray Vaughn: Caught in the Crossfire”, “Lightnin’ Hopkin: his Life and blues”. “Deep Ellum: The Other Side of Dallas”, and”Handbook of Texas Music.””
“Texas Blues: The Rise of a Contemporary Sound” by Alan Govenar is an In-depth Exploration of the Evolution of Texas Blues Music
. The book offers historical context, profiling key artists who have shaped the genre, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone Walker, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Govenar discusses the unique musical characteristics of Texas blues, including its blend of country, jazz, and rock influences, and examines the cultural significance of the genre, reflecting on its social themes and contributions to American music history.
Additionally, the book provides insights into the contemporary Texas blues scene, highlighting current trends and artists.
Through personal stories, musical analysis, and cultural exploration, Govenar presents Texas blues as a dynamic and influential musical form, celebrating its rich legacy and ongoing evolution.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3TBaNCK
“The Roots of Texas Music,” Edited by Lawrence Clayton and Joe W. Specht, Explores the Diverse Musical Heritage of Texas Through Essays That Analyze the State’s Wide-Ranging Styles and Influences.
This volume examines the cultural, social, and geographical factors that have shaped Texas music, covering genres from country and blues to Tejano and rock.
The book highlights Texas’s rich musical diversity, influenced by its complex history and cultural convergence.
Clayton and Specht’s collection offers insights into how various music genres have evolved within the state, reflecting its unique cultural tapestry and the impact of technology, media, and economic factors on its musical landscape.
It’s an engaging resource for understanding the significance of music in Texas’s cultural identity.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1585444928?tag=%3Adale20060b-20
“Lone Star Swing: On the Trail of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys” by Nick Tosches is a Journey Through Texas Exploring the Legacy of Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing, and His Band.
The book combines music history, travelogue, and personal reflections to delve into the cultural impact of Wills’ music, blending country, jazz, blues, and folk.
Tosches visits key locations, interviews influenced musicians, and uncovers the story of the Texas Playboys, offering insights into Texan identity and American music.
It’s an engaging read for anyone interested in the cultural and musical history of the American Southwest.
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“Stevie Ray Vaughan: Caught in the Crossfire” is a Biography by Joe Nick Patoski and Bill Crawford That Explores the Life of Legendary Blues Guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The book covers Vaughan’s early life in Texas, his rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and his untimely death in a helicopter crash in 1990.
Through interviews with those close to him, it offers an in-depth look at his music, personal battles, and impact on the blues genre.
It’s a well-researched and honest portrayal, making it a valuable read for fans and music enthusiasts.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316160687?tag=%3Adale20060b-20,stripbooks,211&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=dale20060b-20&linkId=d3683735ce885e4a002fbd592dd38706&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
“Lightnin’ Hopkins: His Life and Blues” is a Biography that Chronicles the Life of Sam “Lightnin'” Hopkins, a Pivotal American Blues Musician.
Born in Texas in 1912 and active until his death in 1982, Hopkins was renowned for his unique guitar style and poignant lyrics reflecting his life’s hardships, including poverty and racial injustice.
The book offers insights into Hopkins’ upbringing, musical influences, and his impact on the blues genre and American music.
Through interviews and historical research, it provides a detailed look at Hopkins’ journey from poverty to becoming a blues legend, contextualizing his work within the broader African American experience and the cultural history of the blues.
This biography is an exploration of Hopkins’ legacy and the significance of the blues in American culture.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/164160428X?tag=%3Adale20060b-20,stripbooks,417&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=dale20060b-20&linkId=5de100b95b0255b1334dab5e1467e2e0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
“Deep Ellum: The Other Side of Dallas” by Alan Govenar Discusses a Neighborhood in Dallas, Texas That has been instrumental in the Development of Texas Blues Music
This area became a cultural hub in the early 20th century, where influential blues musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson and T-Bone Walker honed their craft.
Jefferson’s innovative guitar techniques and Walker’s development of the electric blues sound were pivotal in shaping the genre.
Deep Ellum’s diverse and vibrant culture fostered a unique sound that blended various influences, creating a distinctive Texas Blues style.
The neighborhood’s significance goes beyond individual artists; it served as a gathering place for a community that embraced musical innovation and diversity.
The recording sessions held in Deep Ellum during the 1920s and 1930s helped spread Texas Blues nationwide, cementing the area’s place in the annals of American music history.
Deep Ellum’s legacy in Texas Blues is a testament to its role in nurturing talent and contributing to the cultural richness of the genre.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3IHBJug
The “Handbook of Texas Music,” edited by Laurie E. Jasinski and published by the Texas State Historical Association, is a comprehensive guide that explores the rich musical heritage of Texas.
It includes biographies of notable Texas musicians across various genres, from country to rock and Tejano, and delves into the history of music in the state, its development, and its impact both nationally and internationally.
The book also covers important music venues, festivals, and organizations within Texas, highlighting how music is an integral part of the state’s identity and cultural heritage.
Aimed at scholars, students, and music enthusiasts alike, the “Handbook of Texas Music” is an authoritative and engaging resource on Texas’s significant contribution to the music world.
You can order this book from Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/087611253X?tag=%3Adale20060b-20
Conclusion
These books ofer a mixtue of historicxal analysis, biographies, providing a conprehensuice view of Texas Blues from various angles.
Whether you’re interested in te genre’s history, its leendary figures or the muwic itself, there’s a wealth of infomation to be found in these works.