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Create a Texas State Music History Museum

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Texas has a rich, diverse musical fabric that offers something to everyone – from Willie Nelson’s classic, road-worn guitar, to the prestigious symphonies and opera companies in Dallas and Houston, to the vibrant hip-hop communities in our cities, to the explosion of Tejano and Conjunto music from San Antonio to the Valley, to Austin’s own crazy-quilt of singers, songwriters, and bands.

What we don’t have is a facility that ties it all together.

Senate Bill 1933 would have created the Texas State Music History Museum. The museum would be a monument to, and celebration of, Texas music – preserving and recognizing our vital culture.

The bill, which did not become law, would have required the Governor’s Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office to request proposals and develop criteria to select contractors for the construction and operation of the museum. The Governor’s Office would have determined the site of the facility.

The museum could have licensed and sold music from its website and hosted live musical performances.  Some of its operating costs would have been paid from revenue it generates.

Such a museum would be a global attraction, because Texans have influenced musicians from around the world.