d The armadillo has been associated with the Austin music scene since the late 1960s but came to full prominence as the namesake and mascot of Armadillo World Headquarters, the iconic Austin music hall that opened in summer 1970. The distinctive illustrations of the armor-shelled mammal that adorned Armadillo World Headquarters are the creation of legendary Austin artist Jim Franklin.
The beginning of the Austin music scene
(Re)discover the roots of Austin music
Austin music starts here!
Only in Austin can you find Austin City Limits, SXSW, and an Afro-jazz-to-Zydeco musical night life. In the late '60s and early '70s, Austin music already is sizzling with it's own brand of psychedelic rock, progressive country, and jazz fusion, fueled by 40,000 University of Texas students, a booming high school garage band scene, and the center of Texas government. Here are the roots of Austin music.
A look back 50 years
OK, time to trip on back to Austin, Texas, and the world fifty years ago. From the trivial to the consequential, 1974 was another banner year for worldwide social and political upheaval. We scan through highlights of the year, with particular attention to the happenings in Austin, Sonobeat Records' hometown. We invite you to join us on a quick tour of the past as we jump back in time: 1974.
Zip through Sonobeat's history
Sonobeat Records documents the Austin music scene spanning the mid-'60s to mid-'70s, releasing dozens of phonograph records by Austin, Central Texas, and world artists. Sonobeat Milestones is a fun and easy-to-navigate timeline through Sonobeat's history – date-by-date and event-by-event – with quick links to stories of artists Sonobeat recorded. It's a zip line through Austin music history!
