The 100 Best Texas Songs

Two are by Willie. Which songs, exactly? And what about the remaining 98? You’ll have to check our list to find out.

by Jeff McCord and John Morthland

It's a Family Affair

For all her talent and poise, Beyoncé didn't become the biggest star in the world without help. And she got plenty of it from the people who know her best.

by Michael Hall

The Voice of America

Is Clear Channel, the San Antonio-based radio behemoth, as patently evil as everyone says? Don't touch that dial.

by S. C. Gwynne

Spoon at a Fork

According to Time, the Austin rock-pop trio Spoon "just might be your next favorite band." But Britt Daniel and the boys have been burned by such pronouncements before, so this time they’re carefully considering their options—and, as always, putting their music first.

by John Spong

King of the Accordion

You may never have heard of Ramòn Ayala, but to his four generations of fans in South Texas and Mexico, he's music royalty. He revolutionized norteno, a genre that reigns along the border, and—after more than one hundred albums—is till going strong.

by Cecilia Ballí

Smells Like Teen Spirit

Before they had even cut a record, the five kids from Tyler who call themselves Eisley were the talk of the music business. Why? Let me draw you a picture.

by Pamela Colloff

Behind the Lines

To My Ears

Texas music matters—even to me.

by Paul Burka

Lives + Times

No Fuss

"It's still easy to walk around New York unrecognized. I'm kind of nerdy and not fashionable, so people don't give me a second look."

As told to Pamela Colloff

Lives + Times

Pure Country

"I don't believe anything in this world could ever disturb or upset me enough to make me start drinking again."

As told to Pamela Colloff

Lives + Times

City Girl

"I moved to Austin in 1974, and it was this kind of magical place. The whole alternative culture controlled the town."

As told to Michael Hall

Lives + Times

Road Warrior

"There were a lot of wild nights, people taking us in and offering us whatever they had. There were a lot of those 'offerings.'"

As told to John Spong

Lives + Times

Teeny Popper

"I used to think, 'I can't perform in front of these people!' And then last night I did a show for more than 13,000."

As told to Katy Vine

Lives + Times

Nice and Easy

"I have a very comfortable lifestyle as a jazz musician. Every day is a Saturday for me."

As told to Evan Smith

Lives + Times

A Lyrical Life

"While I was in Hollywood, I wrote for Eddie Arnold and Ernest Tubb and Roy Rogers and Tex Ritter—everybody you can think of."

As told to Katy Vine

Reporter

Susan Graham

Susan Graham, from Midland to the Met.

Interview by Chester Rosson

Reporter

Rednecks, Armadillos, And Me

The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock rises again.

by Jan Reid

Reporter

Blame That Tune

Why Anne Dingus hates "Texas, Our Texas."

by Anne Dingus

Pat’s Pick

T’afia’s

by Patricia Sharpe

Pat’s Pick

Best Fests

by Stacy Hollister

Pat’s Pick

Primary Flavors

by Patricia Sharpe

The Last Roundup

No Show

Pushing the Limits.

by Kinky Friedman

The Mansion on Turtle Creek Cookbook

by Marti Morgan

Happy Trails

If you're looking for a cool place to see live music, then head to Helotes and the John T. Floore Country Store.

by Katharyn Rodemann

Guitar Man

"I'm the one who introduced guitar boogie-woogie in this country, with a song I called 'Gatemouth Boogie.' It was a big hit."

As told to Katharyn Rodemann

War Record

"The Dixie Chicks recorded 'Travelin' Soldier,' one of the first songs I wrote, and it did great until the girls got embroiled in that crazy media-frenzy."

As told to Stayton Bonner

Crime Scene

Suzanne O'Malley, the author of Are You There Alone? The Unspeakable Crime of Andrea Yates, talks about mental illness, postpartum psychosis, and Rusty Yates.

Interview by Ingrid Grobey

The Profiler

Senior editor Michael Hall talks about Beyoncé and this month's cover story, "It's a Family Affair."

The Song Writer

"My next assignment was supposed to be teaching English at the Academy at West Point, but I didn't go. I got out of the Army and went to Nashville instead, and I think Johnny Cash was probably the biggest reason."

As told to Stayton Bonner

The Bush File

Read twenty more letters about executive editor Paul Burka's article, "The Man Who Isn't There."

Texas History 101

From the somber passing of a tejana queen to the day the music died, tragedy has left its deep mark upon a few bright, talented musicians who called the Lone Star State home during their short lives.

by Ingrid Grobey

Texas Tidbits

Five Texas landmarks that should be on your playlist.

by S. L. McDonald

Web Exclusive

Toasted Almond Panna Cotta