The beginning of the Austin music scene
An integral seed of the Austin music scene from 1967 to 1976, Sonobeat’s prodigious output introduced Johnny Winter, Eric Johnson, Rusty Wier, James Polk, and dozens of luminary Texas musicians to the world.
Sonobeat was there...
The 1960s. Austin, Texas. State capital. The University of Texas. Bergstrom Air Force Base. North Austin vs. South Austin. Colorado River, Lake Austin, City Park, Zilker Park & Barton Springs, Lake Travis & Hippie Hollow, and bluebonnets everywhere. Rock ’n’ roll radio (KNOW-AM & KAZZ-FM). Country radio (KVET-AM & KOKE-AM). Hot fraternity parties with live bands. Hot night clubs with live bands.
Club Saracen, Swingers a Go-Go, Jade Room, IL Club, The Afro, Chequered Flag, 11th Door, New Orleans Club, Broken Spoke, Club Seville, and The Vulcan Gas Company. Fabulous Chevelles, The Wig, Baby Cakes, Leo and the Prophets, Jerry Jeff Walker, Janis Joplin, Sweetarts, Georgetown Medical Band, Ernie Mae Miller, James Polk, 13th Floor Elevators, Lavender Hill Express, Johnny Winter, The Conqueroo, New Atlantis, Willie Nelson, and more... Happenin’ sounds.
Sonobeat was there to document in sound Austin’s birth as the Live Music Capital of the World.
In the Spotlight
Who’s Who
Over the course of its nine active years, Sonobeat recorded more than 70 acts – bands, combos, duets, and solos – comprised of more than 210 individuals. Who’s Who catalogs all the acts and individuals we’ve identified through the Sonobeat archives, internet research, and help from Sonobeat family and friends. Even you may be listed!
Sweetarts
Popular Austin ’60s band Sweetarts, comprised of University of Texas students, played a hot mix of rock and rhythm ’n’ blues covers alongside the band’s original tunes. Sonobeat’s first commercial 45 RPM release was the band’s originals A Picture of Me backed with Without You, both written by Sweetarts co-founder Ernie Gammage. Recorded in July 1967 and released three months later, the single garnered a positive review by national music trade journal Cash Box. The single also was Sonobeat’s first stereo release, helping establish the fledgeling Austin, Texas, label’s reputation. Here’s the story of Sonobeat and the Sweetarts.
Additional Sonobeat features to explore
From how a tiny but influential Austin FM station helped launch Sonobeat to Sonobeat’s connection to psychedelic music pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators to the unique Sonobeat custom 45 RPM singles picture sleeves, we offer fun and informative special features that give you insights into Sonobeat Records and the Austin music scene during the 1960s and ’70s, an epic era in Texas music.
