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

Shindig! digs The Conqueroo
The January 2021 issue (#111) of the UK's retro-music magazine Shindig! reviews our newly-restored and remastered digital edition of The Conqueroo's 1968 Sonobeat single 1 To 3 b/w I've Got Time. Calling out band members for their unique talents, Shindig! recognizes The Conqueroo as Austin underground music pioneers.*

Quick-scan Sonobeat's history
Here's an ultra-fast way to zip through Sonobeat's history from its birth in 1967 through today: Sonobeat Milestones, tracing its humble beginnings as an offshoot of radio station KAZZ-FM's live broadcasts from Austin nightclubs to the death of its co-founder and subsequent shut-down in 1976 to its rebirth in the early 2000s.

Back in time 50 years...
Now that 2020, thankfully, is in our rear view mirror and we're into a brighter 2021, join us on a quick visit to Austin, the nation, and the world 50 years ago, when things were, well, different but the same. Let's look back at some crazy facts and figures, pop culture and trends, and history-making moments. It's yesterday once more...