The oldest traceable beginnings of country music can be found in British folk music, which was brought to America by Scottish-Irish immigrants. Texan music is a beautiful reflection of the intermingling of cultural influences from Anglo-American traditions. For instance, the banjo, an instrument with African roots, was increasingly used to play traditional British music. In 1900, a newspaper published the first documented use of the word “hillbilly.” This term quickly gained popularity, referring to rural white Southerners. Executives recognized that this “hillbilly” demographic represented a significant customer base for purchasing music recordings from within their community and a valuable source of musicians to perform; thus, the first record marketed as “hillbilly music” was released in 1922. Hillbilly music encompassed a range of styles, and the rise of the record industry coincided with the emergence of radio, expanding the scope and speeding up the pace of musical cross-pollination.

Contemporary country music in Texas is highly commercialized, drawing massive attendance at events and reflecting music's economic and social impact in the region. According to the Texas governor's office, more than 26.6 billion in annual economic activity is associated with music businesses. The music festivals, which are very common all around Texas, not only create a place for people to meet and form communities but also generate high attendance, leading to concession sales and ticketing prices that positively impact the economy. Higher attendance leads to increased revenue for artists and all the companies involved in the event, such as the Houston Rodeo, which supports 7,276 total jobs in Greater Houston. Country music also affects individual lives, as country music concerts help catalyze donations to charitable organizations. Thus, country music immensely impacts its listeners and their community.

Music in Texas not only brings communities together through economic and historical means but also serves as a powerful unifying force. It brings together people from different backgrounds and communities, fostering a strong sense of identity and pride among its diverse communities. Music festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest in Texas draw diverse crowds from all over the state and beyond. Texas has a rich history of music that reflects its varied cultural influences, including country, blues, jazz, and Tejano music. This musical diversity has played a significant role in uniting people from various backgrounds and creating a sense of shared identity and pride through their music. As author Joe Nick Patoski said in an interview with the Texas Historical Commission, “Music is the finest of all the fine arts in Texas because it tells our story so well.”

Country music has not only served as a unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of identity and pride among its communities, but has also significantly stimulated economic activity by commercializing country music. This has led to jobs, boosted local economies, and provided opportunities for communities to come together. Country music has left a lasting imprint on Texas, shaping its culture, uniting its people, and contributing to its economy.

Sources:

Gilbert, Elizabeth. “Want to boost your happiness? Buy experiences, not material possessions.” Big Think, 31 January 2023, https://bigthink.com/sponsored/buy-experiences-not-material-possessions/.

Patoski, Joe Nick. “Texas Music History Trail | Texas Historical Commission.” Texas Historical Commission, https://thc.texas.gov/preserve/tourism-and-economic-development/heritage-tourism/texas-music-history-trail.

“26 Experiential Marketing Statistics: Key Insights 2024.” Persuasion Nation, 21 May 2024, https://persuasion-nation.com/experiential-marketing-statistics/.