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.
Welcoming 2026 by looking back 50 years
Austin, Texas. The birthplace of Sonobeat Records. By 1976, Sonobeat has relocated its studios from Austin to the rolling hills just outside the small community of Liberty Hill, Texas, about 30 miles north of Austin, where it opens Blue Hole Sounds recording studio in a refurbished stone church. 1976 is Sonobeat’s final year of operation. Here are a smattering of 1976 highlights:
- The United States celebrates its Bicentennial.
- Two companies that would rule the technological world over the following 50 years are born: Apple Computer and Microsoft.
- The unmanned U.S. Viking 1 is the first spacecraft to land on Mars.
- Rashida Jones, Ryan Reynolds, Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon, Peyton Manning, and Imogen Heap are among future celebrities born in 1976.
- Notable deaths in 1976 include Mao Zedong, Agatha Christie, Howlin’ Wolf, Freddie King, and J Paul Getty.
- Rocky, Carrie, Taxi Driver, and A Star Is Born are the year’s biggest movies. Family Feud, Laverne and Shirley, and The Love Boat are top U.S. TV shows.
- Sonobeat records Al & Alec, Austin Blues-Rockers, Helmer Dahl, Jeannine Hoke, Larry Boyd & Group, Michele Murphy, and White Light.
In the Spotlight
White Light
The rock quintet relocated from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Austin, Texas, and downsized to a trio focusing on experimental progressive rock. From late 1975 into 1976, the trio laid down eight original tracks destined for a final Sonobeat release. But Sonobeat co-founder and producer Bill Josey Sr. succumbed to cancer as the album was under consideration for national release by United Artists Records, scuttling the album’s release and ending the Sonobeat era in Central Texas. Sample some of White Light’s sounds to hear how advanced the band was back in 1976.
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.
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