Bringing music into the history classroom can bring the past to life while challenging students to think critically about lyrical content, the role of mythology in shaping the history of a place or time, and the importance of cultural memory. As US History Scene explores the archives in the State of Texas, we put together a playlist of iconic Texas music legends and songs for teachers getting tired of “The Ballad of Davy Crocket” while teaching the Alamo and its romantic legacy. This is not an all-inclusive list; it has been constructed to reflect the rich and dynamic musical heritage of Texas that continues to run deep in both the history of the U.S. West and the American experience at large.
1) Gene Autry
Suggested listening: Back In the Saddle Again and Deep in the Heart of Texas
2) Buddy Holly
Suggested listening: That’ll Be the Day, Maybe Baby, and Oh Boy!
3) Willie Nelson
Suggested listening: Crazy, Always on My Mind
4) Buck Owens
Suggested listening: Streets of Bakersfield
5) Waylon Jennings
Suggested listening: Luckenbach Texas; Mama Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys
6) Townes Van Zandt
Suggested listening: Poncho and Lefty, If I Needed You
7) Doug Sahm
Suggested listening: She’s About A Mover
8) Bobby Fuller Four
Suggested listening: I Fought the Law (The Law Won)
9) Roy Orbison
Suggested listening: Pretty Woman, Crying
10) T. Bone Walker
Suggested listening: Stormy Monday Blues
11) Lightnin’ Hopkins
Suggested listening: Everything the man has ever touched. Just download the entire discography on iTunes.
12) Yellow Rose of Texas
Suggested listening: Originally written as a blackface minstrel song commenting on interracial sexuality in newly acquired Texas, so many artists have recorded this song throughout the twentieth century (progressively cleaning up its lyrics decade by decade) you can virtually take your pick of covers. Here is a Nashville interpretation…
13) Stevie Ray Vaughn
Suggested listening: Crossfire, Pride and Joy, Texas Flood
14) Bob Wills
Suggested listening: San Antonio Rose
15) Guy Clark
Suggested listening: Desperados Waiting for a Train
16) Janis Joplin
Suggested listening: Mercedes Benz, Piece of My Heart. GET IT JANIS!
17) Butch Hancock
Suggested listening: Bluebird, West Texas Waltz
18) Roky Erickson
Suggested listening: You’re Gonna Miss Me
19) Blind Willie Johnson
Suggested listening: Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground
20) Jerry Jeff Walker
Suggested listening: Mr. Bojangles
And in case you still secretly miss Davy Crocket, here is a Sing-A-Long special.