Music is one of Texas’ top tourist attractions and has a positive impact on the state’s economy. Today, I would like to share with you information about this important type of tourism. Even though the state is widely known for its country music, the music industry in Texas is very diverse and unique in its genre, which includes country and western, rock and roll, Tejano, blues, jazz and gospel. Many iconic musicians originated in Texas – Buddy Holly, Bob Wills (“The King of Western Swing”), Selena, Beyonce, Ornette Coleman, George Jones, Freddy Fender, Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ray Benson, and Gary Clark Jr. to name a few – and left their influence on the genres that followed. The unique industry in Texas is highly successful and rich in its history.
There are over 15,000 Texas music businesses, over 1,000 Texas radio stations and 8,000 Texas recording artists. To manage all of this, the Texas Legislature created the Texas Music Office nearly 30 years ago. The Texas Music Office is the official economic development office for the Texas music industry, which has an annual multi-billion-dollar economic impact on the state’s economy. For more information about the Texas Music Office and to view the resources that the office provides, please visit the Texas Music Office.
To help support musicians and protect their work from piracy, I introduced House Bill (HB) 3836 during the 87th Legislative Regular Session. HB 3836 required websites that disseminate music or videos to disclose their contact information on their sites so that consumers will know who to contact if there is an issue with content or payment for the content. The legislation would have provided protection for consumers and artists against sites that do not have licenses for the work they distribute. Also, I formed a Music Task Force consisting of Coastal Bend artists, musicians, and business community members. The Music Task Force provides ideas and input on ways to foster the continued growth of the music industry in the region.
The Coastal Bend has several Texas music attractions and events. For example, The Texas Jazz Festival, Dia de los Muertos Street Festival, Texas Sandfest, The Rockport Gospel Music Festival, Whooping Crane Festival, Greek Festival, Rodeo Corpus Christi, and Port Aransas which hosts several events. Aransas and Nueces Counties attract thousands of musicians, bands, and their fans annually.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
