Jan Reid
Features
He’s About A Mover
Country, jazz, blues, R&B, polka, and conjunto—the late, great Doug Sahm was a walking encyclopedia of Texas music. An exclusive excerpt from a new biography explores how he stirred it all together and found his own sound in his first great song.
Citizen Cane
Ten years ago I was shot in Mexico City by a street thug who wanted to kill me. Since then, I’ve endured unbelievable pain and learned how to walk again, and I’m thankful for what I have: a new outlook on life, time with my family, and a chance to step back into the ring.
Ann
She was our governor, but she was my friend.
Rocket Man
Richard Garriott wants to experience space travel because it would be cool—and because his dad did.
Me of Little Faith
All I know for certain about religion is that the one my mother tried so hard to pass on to me just didn’t take.
2. Ronnie Earle
The long arm of the law is getting longer every day—and reaching into the Capitol.
The Good Doctor
Can one of the state’s best writers change modern medicine as we know it? Abraham Verghese hopes so—one story at a time.
The Man With the Plan
You probably know that Tom DeLay spearheaded the massive—and massively controversial— congressional redistricting effort that tied Texas legislators in knots for one regular and three special sessions. What you probably don’t know is how he did it. Herein lies a tale.
The Metamorphosis
If you want to understand the shift in political power that has taken place in Texas over the past thirty years—from rural areas to the new suburbs, from Democratic control to Republican dominance—you'll hardly find a better case study than Tom DeLay's Sugar Land.
The Warrior's Bride
Cynthia Ann Parker was nine when a Comanche snatched her from her East Texas home in 1836. Yet throughout her life as her captor's wife she remained strong, brave, and devoted to her husband and children. Which is to say, she was the original Texas woman.
The End of the River
Why the mighty Rio Grande isn't so mighty anymore: a twisted tale of international politics, water rights, and environmental reality (with a drought thrown in for good measure).
Kid Gloves
Growing up in Wichita Falls, I was a skinny kid with buckteeth and a girl's name, so I got into my share of fights. To improve my odd's of winning-and turn my anger and fear into bravery and skill-I learned to box.
Tony Sanchez's New Deal
The 58-year-old banker and oilman from Laredo is enormously wealthy, has impeccable Texas roots, and–best of all–is Hispanic. Sounds like the Democrats' dream candidate, right? Maybe.
To Hell and Back
After he was shot by a Mexico City cab driver—and told that he might be paralyzed—Jan Reid was flown to Houston, where Dr. Red Duke and a team of therapists literally got him back on his feet. In an excerpt from his forthcoming memoir, The Bullet Meant for Me, Reid reconstructs the grueling nine weeks of recovery before he and his wife, Dorothy, finally headed home to Austin.
Return to The Gay Place
Forty years after it was published, Billy Lee Brammer's novel about LBJ-era Austin is still one of the best ever written about American politics. Yet just as interesting is the story of Brammer himself.
A Heavy Weight
In this corner, convicted rapist Tony Ayala of San Antonio—once a rising star of pro boxing, now an ex-convict on the road to redemption. And in this corner, his past—the toughest opponent he's ever faced.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Next Cormac McCarthy
Meet El Paso novelist James Carlos Blake, who writes critically acclaimed literary westerns with lots of violence but few female characters. Sound familiar?
The Improbable Rise of Lyle Lovett
Twenty years ago, he was inspired by the redneck rock of Steve Fromholz and Guy Clark. On his new album, he says thanks.
Glory Days
Texas high school football may be in decline, but filmmakers still want to play.
The Contender
He may soon compete for the super featherweight championship of the world, but for now Austin boxer Jesus Chavez is in the fight of his life—with federal immigration officials.
Legends of the Fall
Texas football heroes Darrell Royal, Doak Walker, Sammy Baugh, and John David Crow are off the field, but they’re still having a ball.
Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson may not be a radio staple anymore, but a new tribute album recorded by some of rock’s coolest stars shows that his music is still moving to them.
Big
In heavyweight boxing—and in the glare of media lights—it helps to be larger than life. Ask George Foreman, 1994’s comeback kid.
Scarred
Not long after she made her trek from Texas to New York, Marla Hanson saw her modeling career end at the hands of a razor-wielding thug. Six years later, the cuts on her face have healed, but the emotional wounds remain.
Showdown at Maverick Ranch
With bulldozers poised to plow through their family’s historic spread, three San Antonio sisters are waging war against the state department.
Texas Primer: The Runaway Scrape
In early 1836, after the fall of the Alamo, a small episode in Texas history revealed an aspect of our character we’d just as soon forget.
C. W. Post
At first he couldn’t stand the strain of trying to get rich. Then he couldn’t stand the strain of being rich.
Texas Primer: The Fire Ant
Baby Calves, children, even the agriculture commissioner: no one is safe from this tiny deamon.
A Grand Canyon
In 1541 Coronado and his troops stumbled upon a huge canyon in the midst of grassy plains and gazed upon it with awe. Journeying down into Palo Duro Canyon on mules 443 years later, I began to understand why.
Coach Royal Regrets
Does Texas’ greatest college coach miss football? Nope.
Texas Primer: The Blue Norther
Sunny in the morning, sunny in the evening, freezing by suppertime.
The Coming of Redneck Hip
Rock and Country music met in Austin. That friendship may make the state.
The Last Romantic Outlaw
Tired of running, he let himself be caught; then he busted right out again.
Columns | Miscellany
Cold Case
One year ago tejano star Emilio Navaira was nearly killed in a tour bus accident outside Houston. What are we still learning about the experimental medical procedure that may have saved his life?
Physician, Heal Thyself
When Sam Hassenbusch was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer, the only saving grace was his own history of treating the very same affliction.
Seems Like Old Times
My Wichita Falls High School reunion inevitably got me thinking about the passage of time but also about memories that endure. And, of course, football.
Earl Campbell
He has moved from pig skin to pork sausage, but he's still trying to score.
Milligan’s Island
With his resounding voice and striking appearance, Austin’s Malford Milligan stands out in a sea of Texas soul singers.
Gruene Peace
A historic dance hall, the cypress-shaded Guadalupe, a couple of rustic inns: A great weekend getaway awaits you less than an hour from Austin and San Antonio.
The Cult of Keen
It took two decades of shows at honky-tonks filled with frat-boy fans and Aggie admirers, but singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has his first major-label record deal.
Running Rabid
Five years ago, rabies was rare in South Texas. Now nearly three hundred animals have died and the epidemic is not abating.
Running Rabid
Mood Indigo
Head for the hills: Texas has a bumper crop of bluebonnets this year.
Dustin’ Off The Stetson
It takes slant-heeled boots and a strong jaw to campaign in West Texas; a Ph.D. probably doesn’t help.
Briar Patch
Reporter
Rednecks, Armadillos, And Me
The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock rises again.
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