Western Swing has roots in country, blues, big band swing, early fiddle band music, cowboy, jazz and gospel, each of which influenced the new musical style coming out of the 1930's. Those early western swing bands put this all together and it has evolved into the western swing music of today. Western Swing has been designated as the Official Music of the Great State of Texas. by the 82nd Texas Leg
islature, having been signed by Govenor Rick Perry on June 17, 2011. It is the only musical style that was born and raised right here in the State of Texas. The Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame started in 1988 and was first based in Austin for 5 years, then moved to it's current home in San Marcos, Texas
The goal of this organization is to recognize and honor the pioneers of western swing music including Milton Brown, Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys and others from those earliest years of the genre's musicial development, as well as those who have kept this music alive and growing. It is also our goal to educate and enlighten the public worldwide about this happy, toe tapping, dance inducing musical style. The Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame weekend takes place each year in San Marcos, Texas on the third weekend of May, with the next show taking place on May 18th and 18th of 2012. For more information on this event, contact Al Dressen at [email protected] or call 512-745-0659. Information is also, posted on the City of San Marcos-Parks Dept web site
