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The Ralph Y. Michaels
Elevators Collection.
Time travel is possible.
Sonobeat Records
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

The beginning of the Austin music scene

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 sizzled with it's unique 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.

Discoveries: Sonobeat in the '70s Artist Spotlight

Meet Michele Murphy

The multi-talented Michele "Mike" Murphy (singer, songwriter, dancer, and teacher) records with Sonobeat from 1972 through 1976, and, on the strength of her 1973 Sonobeat demo tape, lands a main stage performance at the pre-eminent Kerrville Folk Festival. But Michele's story is much more; it's a fascinating look into an original Austin musician and music school entrepreneur.

Sonobeat Milestones

Zip through Sonobeat's history

Sonobeat Records documented the Austin music scene from the mid-'60s to the 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 like a zipline through Austin music history!

Artists Sonobeat recorded in 1973

Sonobeat Artists now on Digital

  • The Conqueroo

    The classic psyched-out single (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2020)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's first single (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • The Conqueroo

    Psych-rock single (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2020)

  • Plymouth Rock

    The classic rock single (1969)
    50th anniversary reissue (2019)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's second single (1968)
    50th anniversary reissue (2018)

  • Lee Arlano Trio

    The classic pop jazz album (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2014)

  • Johnny Winter

    Johnny's first album (1969)
    Capitol Records remastered edition (2005)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's first single (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • Sweetarts

    Sonobeat's first single release (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • Lee Arlano Trio

    Sonobeat's first jazz single (1967)
    Restored and remastered (2014)

  • Sweetarts

    Sonobeat's first single "B" side (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

Sonobeat Features Spotlight