Texas Music in Europe 1 Hartman: Texas Music In Europe Music Texas Hartman:

to Europe, where they believed they had more artistic freedom and greater greater and freedom artistic more had they believed they where Europe, to economic and social opportunities. American musicians have enjoyed larger followings in Europe than they have have they than Europe in followings larger enjoyed have musicians American to relocate some, such as Josephine Baker, in the United States, prompting more “roots” based genres of American music, including blues, gospel, jazz, gospel, blues, including music, American of genres based “roots” more swing, folk, bluegrass, conjunto, cajun, zydeco, or country. In fact, several Music has always been one of America’s most popular cultural exports to enjoy Europeans many that true is it While world. the of rest the and Europe for appreciation abiding and deep a have also others music, pop American economic and social opportunities. American musicians have enjoyed larger followings in Europe than they have have they than Europe in followings larger enjoyed have musicians American to relocate some, such as Josephine Baker, in the United States, prompting greater and freedom artistic more had they believed they where Europe, to more “roots” based genres of American music, including blues, gospel, jazz, gospel, blues, including music, American of genres based “roots” more swing, folk, bluegrass, conjunto, cajun, zydeco, or country. In fact, several Music has always been one of America’s most popular cultural exports to enjoy Europeans many that true is it While world. the of rest the and Europe for appreciation abiding and deep a have also others music, pop American

The Hillbilly Boogiemen The Hillbilly

Produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004

Texas Music in Europe in Music Texas Gary Hartman 2

1 - - - Leadbelly is Leadbelly 2 Perhaps, Perhaps, in a larger sense, it is not so important that most Because Because many Europeans are not familiar with the distinct Perhaps the best example of this involves the prolific blues Another problem I encountered is that most Europeans do not not do Europeans most that is encountered I problem Another musician. Europeans, or Americans, for that matter, be aware of where particular forms of music originated, or what local or regional factors influenced certain artists. After all, music“universal is a histo a as However, everyone. by enjoyed and shared language” discernable for searching of challenge the by intrigued was I rian, today. Europe in performed music the in culture Texas of traces The following is a roughly chronological account of my travels 2003 of August and July in countries European several through influence the understand better and observe to effort an of part as music. Furthermore, music. it Furthermore, is important to keep in mind that most differ regional of understanding little have likewise, Americans, Europe. ences in music throughout them for difficult is it music, American of characteristics regional other from music and Texas from music between distinguish to parts of the United States. Also, many Europeans I spoke with had no idea that a particular artist, whom they considered very influential,Texas was or from had been shapedby the unique of the American Southwest. cultural environment singer-songwriter Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter. and border spent much of his was born on the Louisiana-Texas Leadbelly time in the Dallas neighborhood of “Deep Ellum,” where others. and he Jefferson Lemon Blind with performed songs well-known such adapted or written having with credited as “Goodnight Irene,” “Midnight Special,” “In the Pines,” and “House of the Rising Sun.” Although I most heard these Europe, and other throughout languages different in performed songs people I spoke with did not know they were Leadbelly songs, and no one I talked to knew that Leadbelly was a Texas-based geographic, political, economic, and demographic characteristics. characteristics. demographic and economic, political, geographic, it Instead, vacuum. a in developed not has music Texas However, has evolved alongside other regional forms of American music. it make that traits overlapping shares music Texas Consequently, American regional other from completely distinguish to difficult music. music. American “regional” of understanding intimate an have Although many recognize “delta” blues and Dixieland jazz as having originated in specific areas of theUnited States, most Europeans are largely unfamiliar with the distinctive regional characteristics of American music. In all fairness to Europeans, primarily exposed are they that fact the to due likely most is this to mainstream American pop, rather than locally-based roots Journal of Texas Music History, Vol. 4 [2004], Iss. 1, Art. 5 1, Art. Iss. 4 [2004], Vol. History, Music of Texas Journal Having Having lived, traveled, and played music in Europe off and The Lone Star music State’s reflects the incredible diversity Although Texas music Although Texas has become part of the larger mosaic Texas has Texas always played a crucial role in the exportation of It It is culture true is that Texas somewhat different from that of other parts unique of because ethnic, the of country, the state’s traces of musical influences from the Lone Star State in Europe Europe State in traces of Star musical influences the from Lone completely to impossible is it First, challenges. several presented music. American of forms other all from music “Texas” separate on for over 20 years, I decided to tour several countries of in aspect the this of evidence for look to specifically 2003 of summer for Searching continent. European the on impact cultural Texas’s ever, are celebrating the unique qualities of the state’s music. These These music. state’s the of qualities unique the celebrating are ever, distinct regional influencesTexas in music can still be heard, whether that music is being performed at home or abroad. and Dallas, and country, rock and roll, and other spread genres and Dallas, and country, throughout the state. With a resurgence of interest in regional than more now Texans, that seems it years, recent during culture and Tejano along German the Mexican border Tejano and in Texas, South from swing western Texas, Central throughout music Czech and Houston from blues Texas, West and North of Plains the across of cultural influences in the region, including cajun and zydeco zydeco and cajun including region, the in influences cultural of conjunto Texas, East in whites and blacks French-speaking from that include deserts, swamps, pine forests, grasslands, mountains, mountains, grasslands, forests, pine swamps, deserts, include that largest ten top nation’s the of two to home is Texas beaches. and urban centers, yet most of this vast state is blanketed by farms, and open rural space. ranches, small towns, culture. As the second largest state in the United States, Texas has has Texas States, United the in state largest second the As culture. the in populations diverse ethnically and complex most the of one zones time two and miles square 261,914 across countryspread parts of the country. Because of the sheer size of it Texas, has always encompassed a musical remarkable unique variety state’s of the climates, to contributed terrain, all have who people and Because many Europeans are not familiar with the distinct regional charac regional distinct the with familiar not are Europeans many Because music between distinguish to them for difficult is it music, American of teristics other parts of the United States. and music from Texas from culture, and its music have evolved differently from that of other of that from differently evolved have music its and culture, of mainstream American music, it is still somewhat distinct in certain ways. Part of this has to do with its the fact Texas, that Don Henley, George Jones, Flaco Jiménez, Doug Sahm, ZZ Top, Top, ZZ Sahm, Doug Jiménez, Flaco Jones, George Henley, Don influence important an music Texas make helped have others and scene. and global, music on the European, Thornton, Charlie Christian, Gene Autry, Victoria Spivey, Van Van Spivey, Victoria Thornton, Charlie Christian, Gene Autry, Cliburn, Bob Buck Wills, Owens, Roy Buddy Orbison, Holly, Stills, Stephen Rogers, Kenny Selena, Strait, George Joplin, Janis American music abroad. Even if some of them never actually performed outside of the United States, such musicians Texas as Scott Joplin, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leadbelly, Big Mama

Texas Music in Europe http://ecommons.txstate.edu/jtmh/vol4/iss1/5 Texas Music in Europe 3 - - 8 ), a wonderful journal In France, Spiry says, most people most says, Spiry France, In 7 Cry Cry of the Coyote ( Le Cri du Coyote Almost all of the music professionals I spoke with at the I spoke with a number of other music professionals at the fes the at professionals music other of number a with spoke I the grain of mainstream country with a more unpolished raw, Jennings, They cited sound. Waylon Bob Willie Wills, Nelson, Earl Keen, Robert Lovett, Earle, Lyle Steve Tornados, Texas the country of type different the of examples as Chicks Dixie the and has become known. State music for which the Lone Star Festival Country Rendez-Vous emphasized the importance of ethnic diversity in Texas music. Jacques Bremond, publisher of covering all aspects of bluegrass, country, cajun, blues, western of Texas great Townes Van Zandt, developed a huge following in following huge a developed Zandt, Van Townes great Texas of today. in the 1980s and is still popular there France knowledge their of depth the with impressed quite was and tival to seemed everyone that issue one fact, In music. Texas regarding music country “Texas” between contrast the was discuss to want and “Nashville” country music. Everyone agreed that most of the country music coming out of Nashville in recent decades has had a much different sound than that coming Texas. from more a promote to tends Nashville that suggested people Several as artists such by represented music, country of style pop-oriented the on Texas, while McGraw, Tim and Hill, Faith Twain, Shania against cut who musicians producing of history a has hand, other music, emphasized the importance of language in shaping Eu ropeans’ understanding and appreciation of American regional music. For example, he pointed Germany, out and that,Netherlands, the Britain, in Great as some such countries, European singer-songwriters are where many people Texas speak English, very since popular, audiences are better able to understand the storytelling. their of subtleties culture southwestern of complexities ethnic the of aware not are and boots, hats, cowboy with culture” “Texas equate to tend and notable are there as Spiry makes clear, songs. However, cowboy exceptions, such as the remarkable popularity among French audiences of former Austin singer-songwriter reminiscent are Calvinstyle songwriting and Russell. singing raw whose Russell, Jacques Spiry (left) and Georges Carrier and Georges (left) Spiry Jacques - -

5 Hartman: Texas Music In Europe Music Texas Hartman: 4 6 Jacques, who has a Texas music radio music Texas a has who Jacques, 3

Jacques Spiry, Jacques who Spiry, also has an intimate knowledge of Texas Georges Carrier, President of Festival Country Rendez-Vous, Country Rendez-Vous, of Festival President Carrier, Georges As wonderful as the music onstage was, I found, as I often The list of American performers at Festival Country Rendez- Festival performersat American of list The My My journey began in France. Two good friends from Lyon, broad variety of outstanding performers to his stage, not only to only not stage, his to performers outstanding of variety broad entertain, but also to help educate festival goers about the rich music. of American regional diversity to shape the music of the Southwest. Carrier acknowledged that acknowledged Carrier Southwest. the of music the shape to most Europeans do not fully recognize the regional differences he seems dedicated to bringing a in American music. However, ing of American musical culture, including that of Texas and the and Texas of that including culture, musical American of ing “crossroads a been has always Texas that stressed He Southwest. and French, German, African, Anglo, Hispanic, with culture,” of continues that way unique a in combining influences ethnic other and what sets it apart other types of music. from understand thorough a has and Lyon in professor English an is I met a variety of musicians, agents, producers, journalists, and about knowledgeable quite were who professionals TV and radio American music regional music and very eager Texas to discuss do, that some of the most enjoyable and enlightening moments enlightening and enjoyable most the of some that do, where festival, this at true particularly was That backstage. occur festival is very professionally run, and it was both interesting and interesting both was it and run, professionally very is festival gratifying to see the level of affection and interaction between the performers and the audience members. Vous is impressive. Such artists as Bill Monroe, Steve Earle, Guy Guy Earle, Steve Monroe, Bill as artists Such impressive. is Vous Clark, Allison Krauss and Union Station, the Derailers, Kathy Cowtown, of Club Hot South, New the and Crowe J.D. Mattea, The there. performed have others and Ramblers, Hackberry the program in Lyon, promotes Texas music throughout France and France throughout music Texas promotes Lyon, in program artists for the festival. Texas has helped recruit the Haute-Loire region of South Central France. Now in its seven its in Now France. Central South of region Haute-Loire the biggest the of one become has Rendez-Vous Country year, teenth Europe. in festivals music Jacques and Anne Marie Spiry, who travel each year to the South South the to year each travel who Spiry, Marie come Anne and to Jacques me convinced had Austin, in Festival Music Southwest by in Arzon, sur Craponne in Rendez-Vous Country Festival the to of Texas culture, particularly Europe. throughout music, culture, Texas of France Produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004 4 ------12 13 Although the Boogiemen perform mainly 14 Not only are the Boogiemen accomplished and versatile players, versatile and accomplished Boogiemen the are only Not The final evening ofFrench the festivalFrance in included a next My stop was the where Netherlands, I visited with mu play who Kanis, Robert and Lasseur Arnold visited I Utrecht, In The influence of Texas music stretches beyond France’s borders borders France’s beyond stretches music Texas of influence The One of the highlights of the festival was a press conference at men. Both versions of the Boogiemen have performed throughout throughout performed have Boogiemen the of versions Both men. Europe and the United States, including several appearances in Texas, and have come to be regarded as Holland’s premier pur veyors of bluegrass. country, in well-versed very all are they shows, their in bluegrass rockabilly, western swing, and other and songs forms swapping of night American one café roots sidewalk a in sat we As music. moved musicians talented these morning, the into well jamming one musical style to the next. with ease from to others discussing the issue, I began to sense that, perhaps, more more perhaps, that, sense to began I issue, the discussing others to understand deeper a have fact, in do, realized had I than Europeans music. ing of the complexities of regional American I Derailers. the group Austin-based the by performance powerful who fans, 20,000 some of crowd exuberant the through strolled were rocking, swaying, and dancing, as the Derailers pounded out everything from gospel to honky tonk and Buck Owens to and clothing, CDs, selling vendors of dozens passed I Beatles. the in stood I As themes. “cowboy” or “Texas” with many souvenirs, seemed coincidentally, which, booth, food “Tex-Mex” the at line to consistently attract more patrons than any of the other food indeed, have, culture and music Texas that, concluded I booths, are they if even Europe, of part this on impression distinct a left those who embrace them. as such by not always recognized Netherlands The sician friends whom I had met at other European festivals in previous years. The Netherlands has long had a thriving roots music scene. On my first visitand to“alternative” that country American regional featured that venues several to went I 1980, in music, including Texassome music, that specifically promoted food, and culture. Boogie Bluegrass the and Boogiemen Hillbilly the bands, two in swing groups. Now, Tomahawk plays throughout Europe, inte Europe, plays throughout Tomahawk Now, swing groups. sound into its performance. “Texas” diverse grating a more radio music a Texas hosts who Joris, Alain well. as ways, other in program in Belgium, spoke about the popular newer genre com artists Star Lone such by represented best “Americana,” Randy called monly Fowler, Kevin Green, Pat Keen, Earl Robert Lovett, Lyle as and Kelly, As the noted, Reckless others. Rogers, Joris correctly tradition, singer-songwriter Texas the in rooted is style Americana western and tonk honky Texas by influenced heavily also is it but to Playboys Texas His and Wills Bob from ranging groups, swing the Cornell Hurd Band. Asleep at the Wheel and tended by members of both I the European and conference, American press media the at panelist guest a As industries. music and the from questions ask, as well as answer, to opportunity the had listened and audience and other panelists. Once again, the topic arose of how questions fielded I As unique. is music Texas why and , - - - música tejana música Another French French Another 9 11 Journal of Texas Music History, Vol. 4 [2004], Iss. 1, Art. 5 1, Art. Iss. 4 [2004], Vol. History, Music of Texas Journal , carries articles on rockabilly that that rockabilly on articles carries , 10 Rock and Roll Revue Roll and Rock It soon became clear to me that the influence of influence the that me to clear became soon It Dominique Dominique Costanoga has a music Texas radio program in forming Nashville hits, but they soon became intrigued by the blend of ethnic musical genres they heard on recordings from and various western Tornados Texas artists, including the Texas have been the most eclectic Texas band in recent years to achieve achieve to years recent in band Texas eclectic most the been have explained that international The fame. members Tomahawk of per band “cover” a as primarily the1990s in playing began they Sahm, Flaco Jiménez, Augie Meyers, and Freddie Fender, blended blended Fender, Freddie and Meyers, Augie Jiménez, Flaco Sahm, together rock and roll, conjunto, polka, using and ac country, well may Tornados The keyboards. and fiddles, guitars, cordions, the French-Spanish border. Tomahawk, a band from near Bern, Bern, near from band a Tomahawk, border. French-Spanish the Switzerland, included among its repertoire Doug included which several songs Tornados, from Texas The Tornados. Texas the many Spanish-speaking people throughout his broadcast area in area broadcast his throughout people Spanish-speaking many with Spain. along the border southern France or Mexican-American music from Texas, reached far beyond ethnic characteristics of Texas music can appeal to certain ethnic certain to appeal can music Texas of characteristics ethnic groups in Europe. For instance, he noted music that Tex-Mex is very popular among his listeners, partly because there are so mately one half million. He not only cited the importance of multi-ethnic influences in shaping aTexas unique sound, but Costanoga provided an interesting example of how the special shaped early rock and roll. shaped early rock southern France that is broadcast to an audience of approxi distinctive sound, because of the cultural cross pollination of so of pollination cross cultural the of because sound, distinctive Southwest. the in groups ethnic different many publication, helped Texas artists from influences and diverse how emphasize swing, rockabilly, honky tonk, swing, and rockabilly, other forms of roots music, a have musicians Texas and music Texas how length at discussed

Texas Music in Europe http://ecommons.txstate.edu/jtmh/vol4/iss1/5 Texas Music in Europe 5 - - - - In 2000, For more 19 20 18 Because they understand understand they Because 21 In Munich, I was In Munich, eager to visit the folk-rock group singing in a Bavarian dialect that is rarely heard outside of southern Germany. Oklahoma Country Saloon, a night deal good a spent had I which in club Okla The 1980s. early the in time of Bruno by 1980 in founded was homa Theil, a German music agent, and is proclaimed to oldest be country“the music saloon in Europe.” Frank and Ellen Rehle took over the another opened Theil after Oklahoma, very successful nightclub in Munich, the Rattlesnake Saloon. than twenty years, the Oklahoma After discussing the mythology and folklore of Texas with the the with Texas of folklore and mythology the discussing After My My first taste of howGermans Texas perceive history and Although the Rehles admit that most Germans still think of Bayer family, we all decided to attend a music festival in downtown in festival music a attend to decided all we family, Bayer walls medieval the among there surprise, my to Much Friedburg. young of band local a Corrina,” heard we Town,” “Old or “Altstadt,” the “Corrine, of favorite, hall dance Texas the singing Germans where exactly unclear is it Although dialect. Bavarian strong a in au country white among popularized was it originated, song this for tune standard a is now and 1940s the in Wills Bob by diences throughout bands cajun many even and country, swing, western to witness experience an extraordinary it was case, In any Texas. youthful a of repertoire the into way its found had song this how 1980s and already had a good sense of how American musical culture was experienced there. In the process of revisiting some old familiar locations and discovering new ones, I was able to butconfirm I much alsoremembered, of found what that I the Texas has had on at least some aspects of theGerman influence than I had realized. greater music scene was even culture on this part of the journey came good friends, Robert whileand Ingrid in Bayer, stayingFriedburg, just west with and Stefan, children, wanted Veronika The of Bayer’s Munich. the about questions asking were and Texas about more know to state’s history and culture. Like most other Europeans I have spoken with over the years, to they be imagine Texas mainly a all are these Although prairie. open and cattle, cowboys, of land important characteristics of the Lone Star State and its history, powerful a still is West” “Old the of relic a as Texas of image this perceive world the throughout people many how shaping in force and its music. of the state, its culture, has brought an impressive array of local, European, and North American bands to perform in the intimate venue. Nashville as the wellspring of American country music, more regional of importance the recognize to beginning are more and variations in country Oklahoma, Kentucky, music Texas, from elsewhere. and California, Bakersfield, coun shaping in characteristics regional these of importance the try music, the Rehles and Bruno Theil have worked hard over - - - Hartman: Texas Music In Europe Music Texas Hartman: 15 - - From what I observed, Sanne is correct. correct. is observed,I what Sanne From 17 16

From Holland, I traveled southeastward into Germany. I had I Germany. into southeastward traveled I Holland, From Cor Cor Sanne, an international music On On the subject of “Nashville versus Austin,” van der Heijdt Several other musicians I spoke with in Holland echoed those those echoed Holland in with I spoke musicians other Several lived lived and worked as a musician in southern Germany in the American musical traditions, especially in the Netherlands. Germany music, even though much of what they are exposed to is still main still is to exposed are they what of much though even music, music. popular stream There does seem to be a awareness growing of distinct regional the particular history and culture of that that of culture and history particular the also Sanne States. United the of region Europe more and more that mentioned American of nuances regional the understand to beginning are ans ever, it was years before Sanne realized realized Sanne before it years was ever, career his on influences early these that by shaped been had and Texas from were agent based in the Netherlands, has been been has Netherlands, the in based Buddy agent Price, Ray Ritter, Tex to listening How childhood. since others and Holly, attention of national and international international and national of attention audiences. Rimes, and others had a profoundimpact on shaping the sound,”“Nashville but Nashville bring hasmany such artistsTexas helpedto the Jones, Ernest Tubb, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jennings, Waylon Nelson, Willie Price, Ray Tubb, Ernest Jones, Kristoffer Kris Miller, Roger Rogers, Kenny Mandrell, Barbara George Strait, Lee son, Tucker, Ann Johnny Rodriguez, Tanya should not necessarily be seen as competitors, but, instead, as partners in a mostly symbiotic relationship. After all, not only musicians, such as George Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, Texas have van der Heijdt became passionate about western swing. swing. western about passionate became Heijdt der van makes the very valid point that these two musical epicenters an early age from watching Gene Autry and other movie cowboys cowboys movie other and Autry Gene watching from age early an after but, general, in music country love to grew He television. on Favorites,” House “Ranch record MGM Wills’s Bob hearing first same sentiments. Bertie van has der Heijdt plays which upright bass in the Favorites, House Ranch the band swing western Dutch Eu in tour on Thompson Hank legend tonk honky Texas backed at culture southwestern in interested became Heijdt der Van rope. from a very early age by such Texas artists as Lefty Frizzell, Ernestfrom a very early age Jones, and others. Tubb, Bob Wills, George Lloyd Maines, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Dale Watson, and others, who who others, and Watson, Dale Hubbard, Wylie Ray Maines, Lloyd about spoke also Lasseur influenced in Netherlands. the perform been frequently have knows he musicians Dutch other and he how diverse musical culture of the Southwest. Part of this is the result of of result the is that this there of is a Part growing awareness of Southwest. the unique, the more of ethnically culture musical diverse Hendrix, Terri Bone, Ponty including musicians, Texas many so but they also proved to be very knowledgeable about the history history the about to knowledgeable be very proved also they but behind these different musical genres. Although they admitted sense a do have strong not countrymen fellow of their most that said Kanis and Lasseur music, American in differences regional of Produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004 6 ------

24 v also highlights the important role the German The magazine is devoted primarily to the history the to primarily devoted is magazine The 23 includes a wealth of information concerning art .

26 25 Many Many Lithuanians love American country music. The most The influence of TexasThe musicinfluence can of be seen in otherGerman- though Even my visit to Germany was limited to only a few lies which Lithuania, was trip this on visited I country final The Rockin’ Fifties Rockin’ believed existed in America. Stak Virgis is Lithuania in singer-songwriter country prominent the of part north-central the in Siauliai of outside lives who enas, return, my upon and, year, previous the Virgis met had I country. discussing me with hours several spend to offered generously he his musical influences and the importance of American music and culture in Lithuania. Stakenas began as a folk singer in his heard first he when music country to attracted later was but teens com afterwards, Stakenas Soon song “Lucille.” Rogers’s Kenny recordings. speaking countries, as well. In Austria, for example, musician Oliver Gruen hosts radio and television programs devoted to American roots music, including Texas music, and honky tonk, he western swing, and other styles on playsa variety of in bluegrass the with perform to Texas visited has Gruen struments. and swing group to Hard Make a Living, which is based in the area. Austin web bands, of proliferation the through that, clear was it stops, sites, fan clubs, venues, magazines, and record labels devoted to regional American music, there is a growing interest in and appreciation for the history and culture Texasreflected and in music. other types of local roots Lithuania Belarus. and Russia of west the to and Poland of north the to just So the before centuries for nation independent an was Lithuania their regaining of part As 1939. in it annexed forcibly Union viet have recently Lithuanians 1991, in Soviets the from independence been have finally they culture which in the as reawakening cultural well a as undergone culture, folk own their celebrate openly to able rule, Soviet under living Lithuanians most For nations. western of they freedom cultural and political the symbolized music western tochwil, who publish a very impressive monthly journal entitled journal monthly impressive very a publish who tochwil, Fifties Rockin’ extensive provides also it but roll, and rock early and rockabilly of zydeco. and cajun, blues, and rhythm swing, western of coverage Fifties Rockin’ was it fact, In dates. tour and advertisements, discographies, ists’ that discovered first I that journal German-language this through Elvis performedPresley State University-San here on Texas the 6, 1955. campus on October Marcos in years recent in played has Records” Family “Bear label record helping reissue historical recordings of western swing, country, bluegrass, and rockabilly, early rock and roll. Bear Family Re such of collections complete most the of some reissued has cords Texas artistsinfluential as BobTillman,Wills, Floyd and Cliff As part Bruner. of its emphasis on the historical significance of these old recordings, the Bear Family goes to great lengths to provide detailed historical information along with its reissued - - - Journal of Texas Music History, Vol. 4 [2004], Iss. 1, Art. 5 1, Art. Iss. 4 [2004], Vol. History, Music of Texas Journal 22 At the Oklahoma Saloon, I also met Bernd and Mathilde Kra Mathilde and Bernd met also I Saloon, Oklahoma the At The Honky Tonk Five covered all these musical genres with as with genres musical these all covered Five Tonk Honky The It was clear that the owners’ appreciation for regional influences influences regional for appreciation owners’ the that clear was It The Honky Tonk Five Tonk The Honky Texas music in particular. Texas They also pointed out the vast network of roots music clubs, musicians, and fans There across are, in Europe. fact dozens of and music roots of aspects various to devoted websites European billy/western billy/western swing version of the song. In speaking with the interested been had they that found I break, a during musicians years. many for music roots Texas, particularly and American, in one point, after a determined patron insisted that the group play group the that insisted patron determined a after point, one Me Home, Country Roads,” “Take a favorite of Denver’s John audiences European but not of most roots musicians, the band graciously compromised by performing an impromptu rocka McAuliffe, and Willie Nelson. Nelson. Willie and McAuliffe, At band. hall dance Texas any as skill and passion, energy, much men, and drummer Wolfgang Kozowillis, played a potent blend potent a played Kozowillis, Wolfgang drummer and men, diverse such from swing western and rockabilly, tonk, honky of artists Horton, Johnny as Leon Bob Wills, Buddy Texas Holly, heard in Europe was performing. The Honky Tonk Five, which Five, Tonk Honky The performing. was Europe in heard includes vocalist guitar Martin Wolf, and lap steel player Wulf Schlechtri Christoph guitarist Steinacher, Floor bassist Behrend, on shaping country music was shared by the clubs’ musicians and and musicians clubs’ the by shared was music country shaping on in night a on Oklahoma the at be to fortunate was I too. patrons, ever have I bands country eclectic most and best the of one which Rattlesnake Saloon that reflect this diversity, including bluegrass, bluegrass, including diversity, this reflect that Saloon Rattlesnake country, rockabilly, cajun, swing, western “outlaw,” tonk, honky and country rock. the years to a feature variety of bands at the and Oklahoma the

Texas Music in Europe http://ecommons.txstate.edu/jtmh/vol4/iss1/5 Texas Music in Europe 7

- - - - 30 v v 29 v The single biggest annual country music event in Lithuania Stakenas and Klova continue to play a central role in what has what in role central a play to continue Klova and Stakenas v v seacoast organize festivals and performances that feature country, country, feature that performances and festivals organize seacoast music. blues, jazz, and other forms of American roots Visaginas, in August each held Festival, Country Visagino the is border. Belarussian the near Lithuania northeastern in located This hugely successful festival began as both a celebration of music and as a bold political statement. Established by the So viets in 1975 to house workers for a newly-constructed nuclear named was originally Visaginas of town the nearby, plant power com Lithuanian the of member leading a of honor in Snieckus, ing to Nashville-based country music, but are now beginning to explore more regional types of American music. He is very intrigued contest by Texas-style fiddling, which often employs amalgama an is which swing, western by and strokes, bow long jazz, blues, and ragtime. tion of country, grown into a very active country music scene in Lithuania and Eastern A Europe. number of festivals, clubs, and other venues Lithu from bands country feature regularly area the throughout ania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Russia, and Finland, as Stakenas well Europe. Western asand States, United the Canada, from now hosts a weekly roots music radio show broadcast from the capital city of Vilnius. hometown In of Stakenas’s Siauliai, the live stages Pastuoge Juone club night and restaurant popular very Crow Crazy as acts local such with Baltic weekend each the music country along towns resort Lithuanian summer, Every Jonis. and - - Hartman: Texas Music In Europe Music Texas Hartman:

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Algirdas Algirdas Klova, who helped Stakenas establish the Lithuania While in Lithuania, I was fortunate enough to be invited to Stakenas draws heavily from both country music and the blues. blues. the and music country both from heavily draws Stakenas outstanding fiddle book that provides a comprehensive approach approach comprehensive a provides that book fiddle outstanding Klova fiddle. time old and bluegrass, swing, western learning to listen up grew who musicians European of typical somewhat is country fiddleHe player. performs with several groups, which fiddle teaches also Klova vocals. on June, wife, his include often an published has and groups, musical children’s organizes lessons, these different musical traditions had become. these different premier Lithuania’s considered is Association, Musicians Country violinists, who was accustomed to playing gypsy music, slipped classic Wills Bob the for break fiddle swinging a into effortlessly it became in clear intertwinedMind,” to me just how “Trouble members of his fan club. As we gathered around late into the night, we played and sang a wide variety of music, a campfire and Lithuanian, blues, western swing, country, Texas including Latvian, and Russian folk songs. When one of the Lithuanian theme of the original song. theme of the original fiftieth birthday withcelebrate himStakenas’s and a few dozen Rising Sun” by adding Lithuanian lyrics. In the case of “House of of “House of case the In lyrics. Lithuanian adding by Sun” Rising events celebrate that lyrics new wrote Stakenas Sun,” Rising the in Lithuanian history, rather than keeping the bordello-based He He cites Leadbelly as the blues singer-songwriter who popular helped had has the Stakenas fact, In career. his on impact greatest the of “House and Irene” “Goodnight as songs Leadbelly such ize mitted himself to building a career in country music and joined and music country in career a building to himself mitted form to others and Klova Algirdas player fiddle Lithuanian with Association. the Lithuania Country Musicians Virgis Stakenas Virgis Produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004 8 - 32 31 Belanger says that he learned his yodeling 33 There There were other examples musical of Texas culture present Roy Sturn, a singer-songwriter from Bulgaria, whose real name name real whose Bulgaria, from singer-songwriter a Sturn, Roy Algirdas Klova (fiddle) and Paul Belanger (vocals) Paul and (fiddle) Klova Algirdas honky tonk throughout Eastern Europe. honky tonk throughout at the Visagino Country Festival. One of the American artistsmost performing there was popular Belanger Paul Belanger. child since fascinated been has but Hampshire, New in up grew Tex and Autry Gene as cowboys” “singing Texas such with hood Ritter. After serving in World War II, and being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, Belanger returned to civilian life and eventually built a successful career as United He a “yodeling cowboy.” the throughout performs and Oklahoma in lives currently States and Europe. style mainly from Gene Autry and Jimmie Rodgers. Belanger is convinced that it is his yodeling that the sets him witnessing apart from After so Europe. in performers American other many enthusiastic audience’s response each time I heard him sing, it borrows which cowboy, yodeling this of music the that clear was traditions, musical American and European Western both from and breakdowns. When When the and group breakdowns. closed its set with a hip-hop version of the fiddle tune “CottonEyedJoe,” I was amazed to see how dance this Texas hall classic had found its way to this part of the world, and how it could be so successfully adapted musicians. new of a generation of style hip-hop urban the fit to veryall were they that found I later, group the with speaking In interested music in and knowing the more Texas about history able being of dreamed they that me told Several song. this behind to to come perform Texas to and learn more about the history of the state. and culture Vlaykoff, performed at the Visagino Tsvetan festival is with his teens his in music country to introduced was Sturn Stetson. band when he heard Texan Don Williams singing “Coffee Black.” Sturn had some difficulty finding other country musicians in Bulgaria, but, he eventually, assembled a group of players who devoted themselves to studying the roots of regional American music. and now perform Sturn Stetson traditional country and - - v Journal of Texas Music History, Vol. 4 [2004], Iss. 1, Art. 5 1, Art. Iss. 4 [2004], Vol. History, Music of Texas Journal v v v v v v As had been the case at other places I visited on this trip, I The festival is now in its eleventh year and draws thousands Even Even before the Soviet Union collapsed, local resident Elena v jolite.” Led by their teacher, Tatyana Basova, the Vijolite Vijolite group the Basova, Tatyana jolite.” Led by their teacher, reels fiddle traditional on based routines dance several performed impact on music in the region. One of the most things I remarkable witnessed at the Visagino Country Festival was a very group from Daugavpils, talented Latvia, children’s named “Vi around the world. around soon found clear evidence of how culture Texas had made an attend. With a good mix of North American and European bands, bands, impressive event European that is and well worth American travelling across North Europe to of mix good a With attend. Country Visagino the groups, musical children’s several including from traditions musical of sampling wonderful a provides Festival accommodating staff, which includes Irina Geichman, Dalia Stanioniene, Loreta Jankauskiene, Vilius Brucas, Ruta Cekyte, and others. With limited funding, this group has built a very of country music fans from throughout Eastern has festival, the of Europe President now is who Cekiene, Elena Russia. and support from government officials and avery professional and to market, organizers were able to have the town name changed name town the have to able were organizers market, to Visaginas. to Snieckus from convinced the others that Snieckus, nestled in thick pine forests forests pine thick in nestled Snieckus, as that others the convinced Partly ideal. be would Visaginas, Lake picturesque the alongside partly and independence political newfound their of statement a easier festival the make would name new a believed they because and already had befriended Virgis Stakenas and Algirdas Klova. Klova. Algirdas and Stakenas Virgis befriended had already and This group of musicians and fans was looking for a rustic set Cekiene festival. music country annual an hold to which in ting symbolize the cultural and political resurgence of Lithuanians. the cultural and political resurgence symbolize Cekiene was involved in the Lithuanian country music scene presence presence in the region as an uncomfortable reminder its of regained Lithuania what When colonialism. Soviet considered they to came town the 1991, in Union Soviet the from independence munist party. Moscow brought Moscow munist in party. thousands of ethnic Russian the staff and town the populate to order in Snieckus to workers Russian large this resented Lithuanians local Many plant. power Elena Cekiene and former Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas Rolandas Cekiene and former Lithuanian President Elena

Texas Music in Europe http://ecommons.txstate.edu/jtmh/vol4/iss1/5 Texas Music in Europe 9 - - Rock and and Rock

34 , see: http://countryfr. Le Cri du Coyote well. Gorbatev also says the tremendous ethnic diversity diversity ethnic tremendous the says also Gorbatev well. For more information regarding regarding information more For

Wylie Hubbard, both have confirmed this. Hubbard, both Wylie 24 & 25, 2003 and on July Spiry interviews with Jacques Author’s December Spiry, Jacques and author between correspondence email 15, 2003. Author’s interviews with Jacques Bremond on July 25 information & 26, more 2003. For about com/criducoyote or email [email protected] or Although it seems music that most European fans still are not familiar with the subtle dif ferences among different types of American regional music, there is clearly interest, a as growingreflected by the proliferation of websites and radio programs dedicated various genres American of toroots music. For example, two European radio programs that “Texas” Beek’s Hein are swing western feature radio program in Almere, the Netherlands (email: [email protected]) An and Mathias in program radio Country!” It “Keep drieu’s mathiasandrieu@yahoo. (email: France Paris, com). Author’s interview with Georges Carrier on correspondence email and 2003 26, & 25 July October Carrier, Georges and author between 1, 2003. Texas with had have I discussions separate In Ray and Keen Earl Robert singer-songwriters

For many people the world over, Texas seems to be an almost an be to seems Texas over, world the people many For 8. 9. 10. 5. 6. 7. especially Texas musicmirrors the ethnic diversity of reflectedcultures in Europe. and Eastern Russia throughout Conclusion life than larger with filled is history whose state place—a mythical a as themselves seen always have inhabitants whose and characters the surrounding mythology this of Much others. from apart breed books, movies, through manipulated or fabricated been has its state and people, its Texas, ways, certain in However, television. and and mythology the both reflects music Texas unique. are culture history complex its of terms in especially state, the of realities the and diverse ethnic makeup. As an found important be can and culture cultural global of part become export, has music Texas

- Wanted: Deep El ■ , ( Denton: Hartman: Texas Music In Europe Music Texas Hartman: , was one of the The Journal of Texas Texas of Journal The , Volume 3, Number 2, Fall 2003, 2003, Fall 2, Number 3, Volume ,

Rendez-Vous, Rendez-Vous, see: www.festivaldecraponne. com For more informationwww.radiorcf.com see: program, regardingradio Spiry’s Jacques White Worlds of Dallas Converged University of North Texas Press, 1998), and of Songs “New Evans, David and Monge Luigi Jefferson,” Lemon Blind History Music 8-28. Country Festival about information more For music. careers and lives the on information more For of Leadbelly and Blind Lemon Jefferson, see Alan Govenar and Jay Brakefield, lum and Central Track: Where the Black and have a very limited understanding of the regional regional the of understanding limited very a very was have I However, music. American of aspects music European the much how with impressed about only not knew, with spoke I professionals but, music, American in trends regional larger Texas in variations regional specifically, more I interviewed numerous Europeans in the music music the in Europeans numerous interviewed I generally, Europeans, whether about business understand regional differences in American music. They all told me that most Europeans Another interesting person I met at the Visagino Country Festival Festival Country Visagino the at met I person interesting Another 4. 3. 2. 1. NOTES in various manifestations throughout the world. the world. manifestations throughout in various to be a very “democratic” music that represents the working class working the represents that music “democratic” very a be to the political and social implications of American roots music in Russia and Eastern Europe. He believes country music has broad appeal across the former Soviet Union, because it seems state’s ethnic complexity, especially in terms of blending African, blending of terms in especially complexity, ethnic state’s Hispanic, and Anglo-European traditions, is what Texas makes culture and music Texas so unique. Gorbatev also emphasizes Country Music in Russia and the Ex-U.S.S.R. most knowledgeable people I spoke with regarding American regional and music. he Gorbatev has believes Texas, the visited resonates strongly with Eastern European fans. European with Eastern strongly resonates and music producer, a musician, Russian Gorbatev, was Andrey agent from Moscow. Gorbatev, who wrote the book Produced by The Berkeley Electronic Press, 2004