Austin Music Is a Scene Not a Sound

A history of the Austin music scene, going back to the German singing societies of the late 1800s and ending with the ascent of South by Southwest, whose registration line would become the Ellis Island of new Austin. Over 50 legendary Austin live music venues are profiled in a rolling “Clubland Paradise” section.

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Michael Corcoran culminates 40 years of writing about Austin music with a history of the scene, going back to the German singing societies of the late 1800s and ending with the ascent of South by Southwest, whose registration line would become the Ellis Island of new Austin. Over 50 legendary Austin live music venues, starting with the Skyline and Victory Grill in the wake of WWII, are profiled in a rolling “Clubland Paradise” section. Austin Music Is a Scene Not a Sound includes the stories of Willie Nelson and the Armadillo, nascent Black radio DJs Lavada Durst and Tony Von, the making of Stevie Ray Vaughan, the significance of Sixth and Red River Streets, and how Aquafest went from Austin’s biggest annual event to belly-up in five years. Illustrated with photos, this history and guide showcases interesting stories, venues, and context from the Live Music Capital of the World.