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.
Austin, Texas – the hottest and coolest place to be in the ’60s
Capital of Texas. The University of Texas. North Austin vs. South Austin. The Colorado River, Lake Austin, City Park, Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow, and, of course, armadillos. Rock ’n’ roll radio (KNOW-AM & KAZZ-FM). Country radio (KVET-AM & KOKE-AM). Hot fraternity parties with live bands. Cool 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, Lake Austin Inn, The Flamingo, The Club Seville, The Vulcan Gas Company, and more.
The 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, Shiva’s Headband, New Atlantis, Willie Nelson, and more... Happenin’ sounds.
Sonobeat was there at the beginning of the Austin music scene.
In the Spotlight
Johnny Winter
It was apparent from the moment he stepped on Austin’s Vulcan Gas Company stage in summer 1968 that he was hot stuff. Johnny Winter led a revolution in blues-rock and rockin’ blues, playing homage to legends Lighting Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Slim Harpo, and Howlin’ Wolf alongside his original songs, all with his own South Texas spin. Sonobeat Records recorded Johnny’s trio on a scorching August ’68 afternoon at the Vulcan, producing Johnny’s first album, The Progressive Blues Experiment. Sonobeat sold the album to Liberty Records for national release on its Imperial label. The album was a breakthrough for both Johnny and Sonobeat.
Who’s Who
Over the course of its nine active years, Sonobeat recorded more than 70 acts – bands, combos, duets, and solos – comprised of 212 known 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!
Explore our history
Sonobeat Records was founded in Austin, Texas, in May 1967 and operated in Central Texas until September 1976, releasing two dozen stereo 45 RPM singles and half-a-dozen albums recorded by Austin, Central Texas, and international singers, songwriters, and musicians. Journey back in time with a scrolling list of Sonobeat’s 1960s and ’70s milestones or dive right into Sonobeat’s year-by-year story.
