US 90-the Gulf Coast Highway-is one of the major east-west roads in the Southern United States, knitting together communities large and small and letting music and culture flow freely from Houston to Jacksonville. ARTSEDGE highlights the art and artists of the Gulf Coast Highway in this series featuring Grupo Fantasma, Nanci Griffith, Beausoleil, the Blind Boys of Alabama and more.
Along the Texas-Mexican border in the 19th century, Mexicans, Native Americans, and Anglo-Americans living in the region intermingled with European immigrants looking for new opportunities. The clash and fusion of multiple languages and traditions resulted in a distinct "Tejano" culture."
Tejano...
Published 08/18/06
Texas has a rich tradition of troubadours—singer-songwriters who write, compose, and sing original songs. Grounded in the folk music tradition, singer-songwriters are recognized for their meaningful lyrics about real-life subjects as varied as social justice and family, war and love. Fueled by...
Published 08/18/06
Texas blues originated in the early 1900s alongside the sweat and tears of Blacks working on oilfields, lumber camps, and ranches. After a day of back-breaking labor, workers could unwind in nearby bars or on their own porches and listen to blues musicians who spoke to their own experiences....
Published 08/18/06