Texas Legends of Rock, Pop and Soul 

For more than 100 years, Texans have made extensive contributions to rock, pop and soul music starting with the great Mary Carson from Houston who recorded with Edison Records including her first cylinder recording in 1913 of “O Dry Those Tears”. Texan Gene Austin was one of the most popular vocalists in the 1920s and 1940’s. Austin’s “My Blue Heaven” 1927, sold over five million copies which was noteworthy for that time.

The story of the Rock, Pop and Soul music of Texas is a microcosm of the history of these three musical genres, and important contributions to the colorful kaleidoscope of the broad range of Texas music. Many of the Texas artists who began careers in previous decades continue to shape the sound of music into the 21st century. Some of today’s most enigmatic and popular artist are Texans. Hundreds of talented musicians, singers and composer from Texas have and continue to make indelible impressions on the history of Rock, Pop and Soul music and its stylistic tributaries. This exhibit can only therefore include only a sampling of sampling of these Texas legends, and many noteworthy artists are not included. Many are cross-over artists who are part of this exhibit represent various decades and aspects of Texas’ contributions to Rock, Pop and Soul music. Many Texans who contributed to the development of rock and roll are highlighted in the Rock Exhibit in addition to well-known legends Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and the Big Bopper. Many Tejano and Latino Texans who have had national hits are presented in both the both the Pop and Rock Exhibits such as Trini Lopez, Vikki Carr and Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. Great African American soul singers Barry White, Erykah Badu and of course, Beyoncé add to the cadre of Great Texas Legends included in the Exhibit.

The exhibit is presented in the Main Gallery and Hall Gallery, and consists of displays which include artists’ biographies, photographs and recordings.  Display cases contain a broad range of artifacts including original sheet music and original recordings including cylinders, diamond discs, 78 rpm disks, 45s, LPS, cassettes, 8 tracks, and CDs recorded by artists in the exhibit. A variety of music machines embellish the exhibit such as an Edison cylinder phonograph, Victrola, radios, consoles, 45 players, 8 track and CD players and others which provide interesting time-period backdrops for musicians and their music. A special aspect of the Exhibit is that QR codes are placed throughout the Rock, Pop and Soul Exhibits, allowing visitors to use their smart phones or tablets to view videos and hear recordings of each of the artists. 

Two ongoing exhibits are also available. The Front Gallery presents Contributions of East Austin African-American Musicians to Texas Music and in the Back Gallery, Tejano Music — Spotlight on Austin is displayed. Enjoy your visit today to each of our Galleries and Exhibits

Self-tours of Exhibits are available Monday – Friday 9:00AM – 5:00PM. For more information and to schedule school, group or guided tours, including on weekends, please call 512-472-8891 or 512-471-0520

Free Admission