The swimmers I met and photographed at Barton Springs feel a uniquely deep reverence for their swimming hole. It seems to be the sort of attachment you feel for a home or lifelong friend. Photograph by Gregg Segal
To celebrate the opening of Austin’s newest hotel, Texas Monthly has partnered with Hotel Magdalena to look back at some of our favorite photos of the music legends and watering holes that continue to define and inspire the Live Music Capitol of the World. Nestled in the heart of South Congress on Music Lane, Hotel Magdalena pays homage to the local lake house ethos of the 1970’s while honoring the history of the Terrace Motor Hotel — Willie Nelson’s iconic 366 room oasis that sat on the same location more than 70 years ago.
Just as the legendary 1970s music scene has shaped modern-day Austin, the fresh water springs that surround the city are a part of Austin’s bohemian charm. From Barton Springs to Deep Eddy, these spring-fed pools are central to the laidback ease that locals love and travelers seek.
Join us as we celebrate the free spirit of Austin.
A Sea of People at Barton Springs
Photograph by Alan Pogue
Eve Green, age 10, recently told her dad, James, “I’m going to take my kids here when I grow up.” James has been going to the pool since the 1970s, making the trip from San Antonio.
Photograph by Gregg Segal
Bruce Patzke, age 74, has been coming to Barton Springs for twenty years. "We have a gift here and we’re grateful, thankful to have it," says Patzke, whose Sunday routine involves ecstatic dance, Tamale House, and hanging out at Barton Springs into the night. "The water—it does something to your circulation."
Photograph by Gregg Segal
West Cave Spring
Photograph by Alan Pogue
The Vast Sky Over the Carpet of People at the Dripping Springs Reunion
Roommates Georgia Miguez, Julie Gaydos, and Emily Novak lounged in the grass at dusk. "I met almost every friend I have because of Barton Springs," Miguez says. "It's always been a magical and special watering hole—In my early 20s I'd keep a swimsuit in my car and drive straight to the Springs every day after work. I'd read or drum and would always meet new interesting people."
Photograph by Gregg Segal
Young Woman with her dog amid families in the spillway of Barton Springs
Photograph by Alan Pogue
Doug Sahm at the Soap Creek Saloon in 1974
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
The band, Shiva’s Headband, on-stage with a dog performing while a couple in front dance
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
The band, Greezy Wheels, sitting and standing around a drum set
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Willie Nelson at the Armadillo World Headquarters, Austin, Texas, November 4, 1972
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
The group Monster Jam (Leon Russell, Mary Egan, Benny Thurmon, Phil Lesch, Jerry Barnett, Jerry Garcia, and Doug Sahm) performing at the Armadillo.
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
Fats Domino performing with a band at the Armadillo to a crowd.
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
A crowd of people seated on the floor for a Freddie King show at the Armadillo.
Burton Wilson Collection, The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin
