LibGuides: Music: Music in San Antonio & Texas

Subject Guide

Cynthia de León

Links to the Library

All Guides
This will take you to the guides @ mysapl homepage.
My Library Account
Check on holds, due dates, etc.
SAPL Catalog
Keyword search link to the San Antonio Public Library Catalog.
FAQs at SAPL
Quick answers to common questions.
Ask a Librarian
Ask questions, report problems, or just send comments and suggestions.

Today's Events

All SAPL Events

Search Our Databases

Gale In Context: Biography This link opens in a new window
In-depth biographical information on important Texas musicians, songwriters, and composers. Covers all musical genres.

San Antonio Express-News This link opens in a new window
Look up articles about musicians and past or upcoming musical events in San Antonio and south-central Texas. Coverage is Jan 1, 1990 to the present. Accessible by keyword and date. No images.
Rock's Backpages This link opens in a new window
Read over 38,000 classic articles on artists from Aaliyah to ZZ Top
by the finest music writers of the last 60 years.

Welcome to...

Music in San Antonio and Texas

Interested in learning more about the music of San Antonio and Texas? Well, here you can search our catalog, check out our databases, and take a look at some of our favorite online resources.

Favorite Books

Texas Blues by Alan B. Govenar
ISBN: 9781585446056
The author traces the history of Texas Blues from its beginnings with African styled fiddles and banjos, and on through to the development of blues guitar and a unique regional sound. Govenar interviews 110 musicians, covering the well known to the obscure. Includes a wealth of photographs and a carefully chosen discography.
The History of Texas Music by Gary Hartman
ISBN: 9781603440011
Hartman thoroughly examines Texas' many ethnic communities' contributions to the state's rich musical heritage. In so doing, the author covers a wide range of styles, from tejano to country to blues to polka, to name just a few. Includes profiles of key musicians in Texas music history.

Here a just a few of our favorite books about Texas music. Learn about the rich history of Texas music and musicians, and about the many styles of Texas music, such as Texas Blues and Tejano.

Women in Texas Music by Kathleen Hudson
ISBN: 9780292734678
In-depth interviews with 39 musical artists, including Emily Robison, Terri Hendrix, Lee Ann Womack, Rosie Flores, Betty Buckley, Marcia Ball, Lavelle White, and Bobbie Nelson. The interviews delve into such topics as the artists' approach to the creative process, perspectives gained from a life's journey in music, and what it means to be a woman in the music business.
Lone Stars and Legends by Paula Felps
ISBN: 1556227981
Felps considers the many musical styles and musicians throughout the history of Texas music, and explores how these musicians and styles have influenced popular music across the nation. Among the styles explored are blues, boogie-woogie, honky-tonk, western swing, and country.
Tejano Proud by Guadalupe San Miguel
ISBN: 1585441597
The author chronicles the development of this rich and vibrant music, heard everywhere from the smallest of towns to the big city stage. San Miguel looks into such topics as the essential elements comprising Tejano music, the history of its being recorded, and recent trends in the music. Included as well is a discography and listing of Tejano music awards.
Moscow Nights by Nigel Cliff
ISBN: 9780062333162
Publication Date: 2016-09-20
Young Texan pianist Van Cliburn arrives in Russia and takes Moscow by storm with his talent. Author Nigel Cliff shows us how Cliburn created a temporary thaw in the cold war.

Web Sites about Music in Texas and San Antonio

Texas Music Office
The Texas Music Office serves as the information clearinghouse and promotion office for the Texas music industry. Includes links to music businesses, and information about musicians, musical events, and music education.
San Antonio Symphony
The San Antonio Symphony's official web site. Includes information on the Symphony’s concert season and tickets.
San Antonio Music Calendar from the Weekly Current
This weekly magazine features a music calendar for venues in San Antonio.
Austin Chronicle Music
The Austin alternative weekly publishes articles about bands in Austin and Central Texas.
Music Directory from Get Creative
This website is from Music Commission from the City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Cultural affairs.
more...less...
This website offers resources for local musicians.

Find Concerts and Festivals

My SA Entertainment - Express-News Music
Check the Express-News website for area music calendar listings and articles about the region's musicians.
Pollstar - The Concert Hotwire
Look here for worldwide concert tour schedules for all styles of popular music, and the latest music industry news.
SA Current Music

210 Music Events
Find out about local events and venues on this site.