Austin, Texas is known around the world as the Live Music Capital of the World. This is due in part to the multitude of historic and legendary performers and live music venues that have graced the city over the years. From the original Armadillo World Headquarters to the legendary Austin City Limits Live, these venues have seen some of the greatest acts in music history. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of Austin’s historic live music venues and legendary performers.
- Austin City Limits Live
- The Armadillo World Headquarters
- The Continental Club
- Antone’s Nightclub
- Willie Nelson
- Janis Joplin
- Stevie Ray Vaughan
- The Austin Music Scene Today
1. Austin City Limits Live
Austin City Limits Live is the largest music venue in Austin and the home of the long-running PBS television program Austin City Limits. This venue is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, having hosted some of the greatest performers in music history.
The venue opened its doors in 2006 and has grown to become a major destination for music fans from around the world. It features three performance spaces, including the Moody Theater, the outdoor Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Amphitheater, and the ACL Live Studio. Each of these spaces offers a unique and intimate experience for both fans and performers.
Since its opening, Austin City Limits Live has seen some of the biggest names in music grace its stage. From Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, and Bob Dylan to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kings of Leon, and Taylor Swift, this venue has seen some of the most legendary performers in music history. The venue is also the permanent home of the PBS television program, Austin City Limits, which has featured some of the greatest live music performances in history.
In addition to the live music performances, the venue also offers a wide range of other activities and events, including movie screenings, comedy shows, and more. With its unique atmosphere and rich history, Austin City Limits Live is the ultimate destination for music lovers. Whether you’re looking for a place to see a legendary performer or just enjoy the music scene in Austin, this venue is sure to have something for everyone.
2. The Armadillo World Headquarters
The Armadillo World Headquarters was an iconic live music venue in Austin, Texas from 1970-1980 that had a major influence on the local music scene. Located in the city’s warehouse district, the Armadillo was a haven for creative expression in a time when Austin was quickly becoming the Live Music Capital of the World.
The Armadillo was known for its eclectic mix of musical genres, ranging from rock to country to jazz. It was also the site of some of the most legendary performances in music history. Artists such as Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Frank Zappa, and Loretta Lynn all graced the stage of the Armadillo and its unique atmosphere inspired many of them to create some of their best work.
The Armadillo was also a source of inspiration for many of Austin’s emerging artists. It was the perfect place for them to hone their craft and find their voice. Many of these artists, such as Joe Ely and Buddy Miller, went on to become some of the most influential figures in the music industry.
The Armadillo World Headquarters was more than just a music venue, it was an integral part of the Austin music culture. It provided a place for people to come together and enjoy music, and it was a beacon of creativity for the city’s aspiring musicians. Though the venue closed in 1980, its legacy still lives on in the music of Austin’s legendary performers and in the minds of those who experienced its unique atmosphere.
3. The Continental Club
The Continental Club is one of the most iconic live music venues in Austin. Located near downtown, it has been a mainstay of the city’s live music scene since 1957. It has an old-school vibe, with classic neon signs and a vintage jukebox to set the tone. It’s known for its regular lineup of blues, rock, swing, country, and alternative music, and it’s been graced by some of the greatest performers in music history.
From Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan to the Black Angels and the White Stripes, the Continental Club has seen it all. It continues to be a major draw for both locals and tourists alike, with shows nearly every night. The atmosphere is electric, with the lively crowd dancing and singing along to the music. The venue also has a great selection of craft beers and Texas-style bar snacks, making it the perfect spot for an evening of entertainment.
The Continental Club is truly a legendary spot, and it’s not to be missed if you’re looking for great live music in Austin. It’s a place that’s steeped in history, and its incredible lineup of performers make it a must-visit for any music lover. Whether you’re visiting Austin or you’re a local, the Continental Club is sure to provide an unforgettable night of music and fun.
4. Antone’s Nightclub
For over 40 years, Antone’s Nightclub has been a fixture in Austin and has seen performances from some of the most iconic blues and jazz acts in history. Located on West 5th Street, the venue was conceived by Clifford Antone, who opened the club in 1975 to share his love of the blues.
Since its inception, Antone’s has seen performances from some of the most influential artists in blues and jazz, including B.B. King, Ray Charles, and Etta James. The club has hosted a variety of events, including blues festivals, film screenings, and even an annual barbecue cook-off.
The legacy of Antone’s Nightclub continues today with its rich history and its diverse lineup of performers. From iconic blues guitarists to modern jazz and funk bands, the club is known for its eclectic mix of musical acts. Antone’s Nightclub is a must-visit for music lovers, as it provides an intimate setting with an atmosphere that celebrates the history and culture of blues and jazz.
Today, Antone’s Nightclub continues to be a vital part of the Austin music scene. Not only does it provide a unique venue for live music, but it also serves as a reminder of the city’s deep blues and jazz roots. The club is a great place to hear live music and experience the culture that has made Austin the Live Music Capital of the World.
5. Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is one of the most iconic performers to ever grace Austin’s renowned music scene. He is best known for his outlaw country sound, which draws from genres such as folk, jazz, blues, and rock and roll. His classic hits, including “On the Road Again” and “Always on My Mind,” have become beloved anthems for generations of music fans.
Willie Nelson has been performing in Austin since the 1950s and has since become a local legend. He has performed all over the city in iconic venues such as the Armadillo World Headquarters, the Saxon Pub, and the Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. He has also been a part of many of the city’s larger music festivals, such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits.
Willie Nelson has also made an impact on the music industry outside of Austin. He has been a part of Farm Aid since its beginning and is an advocate for the rights of farmers and agricultural workers. He has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards throughout his career.
Willie Nelson is a true Austin legend and has been an integral part of the city’s music scene for decades. His influence on the city’s music culture has been immense, and his spirit lives on in the city’s vibrant live music venues and performers.
6. Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin is remembered as one of the most influential and groundbreaking singers and songwriters of all time. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis moved to Austin, Texas in the 1960s and quickly became a major player in the Austin music scene. Janis was known for her powerful and soulful voice, and for her unique blend of blues, rock and folk music. Her career was tragically cut short in 1970, but her legacy continues to influence generations of music lovers.
Janis was a frequent visitor to many of the most renowned live music venues in Austin, including the Vulcan Gas Company and the original Armadillo World Headquarters, where she performed in front of sold out crowds. She was also a regular performer at the Austin City Limits Live, where her powerful performances were met with thunderous applause. Janis was frequently joined on stage by her band Big Brother and the Holding Company, and together they created some of the most memorable music of the 1960s.
Janis Joplin’s unique style and soulful voice left a lasting impression on the Austin music scene, and she continues to be remembered as one of the most influential performers in the city’s history. Her music is still celebrated today, and her legacy continues to inspire musicians of all genres. Janis Joplin will always be remembered as one of Austin’s most legendary performers, and her music will live on forever.
7. Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan is one of the most iconic figures of Austin’s music history. An Austin native, Vaughan began his career in the early 1970s and quickly rose to fame. His signature style of blues combined with his innovative guitar playing made him a legendary figure in the music world.
Vaughan was known for his fiery guitar solos and his unique approach to blues music. He often blended different musical styles to create a unique and powerful sound. His popular albums, such as Texas Flood and Couldn’t Stand the Weather, featured some of his most iconic songs. Vaughan was also known for his collaborations with other great blues musicians, including Eric Clapton and B.B. King.
Vaughan’s influence on Austin’s live music scene made him a beloved figure in the city. He often performed at some of Austin’s most popular venues, including Antone’s and the Continental Club. His shows were always packed with eager fans ready to hear his powerful guitar playing. Despite his untimely death in 1990 at the age of 35, Vaughan’s legacy lives on in Austin’s vibrant music scene. He is remembered fondly as a legendary blues musician and one of Austin’s most beloved musical icons.
8. The Austin Music Scene Today
- Austin music scene is alive and well Austin, Texas is still alive and well in the music scene today. International as well as local acts keep the venues vibrant with amazing music that can be heard every day. Smaller venues like The White Horse and Empire offer up-and-coming artists a platform to shine, while larger venues like Stubb’s Bar-B-Q and Austin City Limits Live showcase major musical acts. These venues have helped shape Austin into the Live Music Capital of the World, and they are still rocking today.
- Legendary performers still grace Austin The legendary performers of the past are still a part of the Austin music scene today. Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Stevie Ray Vaughan are just a few of the music icons that have graced the stages of Austin’s live music venues. While some of these icons have passed on, their music lives on and is still being performed by up-and-coming artists, keeping their legacy alive in the city.
- Austin music scene continues to grow The Austin music scene continues to grow and expand with new venues popping up all over the city. These venues offer a variety of music from local and international acts, as well as a wide range of genres. Music festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits have also become a part of the music scene, offering a chance to see some of the world’s best performers in one place.
