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 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.
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.
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!
