By Cameron Insilan
Here, the opportunities for budding musicians are abundant if you know where to look, and thanks to the musicians and artists in our community, I have learned where to look. I would be remiss to mention how our city got its astounding reputation for its musical talent. The success of music in this city is credited to our plethora of historic musical artists. The music legacy of Lubbock has been profoundly intertwined with our city’s history. As a Music Teacher in this area, I am incredibly grateful to have so much rich history to pull from and our students are lucky to have an intimate connection to music by living in this area. Rest assured, Lubbock, Texas has generous opportunities for musicians, with a rich musical history and talented artists contributing to its reputation.
It seems fitting to share the narrative of Lubbock’s musical landscape as recounted by the local community. Thanks to the efforts of the Municipal Museums Director, Jacqueline A. Bober of the Buddy Holly Center, we can begin our story in 1936 with the birth of our honored Buddy Holly. I highly recommend visiting the Buddy Holly Center to discover the profound impact Buddy had on the global music industry. While Holly was poised to leave an indelible mark on the world, the music scene in Lubbock was also blossoming, notably with the establishment of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra in 1944, marking this year as its 80th anniversary. In a conversation with CEO and President Galen Wixson, it is evident that the Symphony has been and remains a strong advocate for musicians and music within our city. Here, our city begins its long and prolific relationship with music.
Lubbock had now established itself in the music scene as a place worth visiting. Buddy Holly made his mark on the world, and another notable figure, Christopher B. Stubblefield, also known as Stubbs, ensured that Lubbock became a regular stop for traveling musicians in the early 70s. The story goes that Jesse Taylor broke down on the side of the road in East Texas when he came to stumble into Stubb’s Barbecue. Stubbs offered him food and drink, and Jesse offered him a show as thanks. It became known throughout the touring scene that playing at Stubbs meant free food, making Stubbs BBQ a place on many a touring artist’s road map. To discover Stubbs’ impact on Lubbock’s music scene and the African American community through food and music, visit our blog for his inspiring story.
Among the other notable individuals associated with Buddy Holly is Don Caldwell, a student of Buddy’s manager Norman Petty. Don, another significant figure in the music industry, established his recording studio in 1971. To learn of this man’s contributions, I got to speak with one of Don’s former employees, Alan Crossland. Alan has been deeply involved in the music industry since his initial position at Don Caldwell Studios in the late 1980s, and he continues to contribute to the music community with his own studio (pictured), Route 1 ACUFF Studios.
Don Caldwell was one of the prominent music producers of the south plains, creating records for the likes of the Maines brothers, Terry Allen, and Doug Smith to name a few. He continued his endeavors in promoting Lubbock’s music scene until his passing earlier this year. Thanks to his dedication, Lubbock has evolved into a nurturing environment for local talent, exemplified by events such as 4th on Broadway and Lubbock Music Now.
One of Don Caldwell’s many contributions include restoring The Cactus Theatre in downtown Lubbock in 1993. Today, the theater is managed by Darryl Holland, who continues to bring entertainment from the film and music industries to the people of Lubbock.
Now we have a brief overview of the history of music in Lubbock, but what does the state of music look like in Lubbock Today? What does the future hold for Lubbock music?
Well, if you are a lover of the arts, consider being a patron of this season of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. The LSO has an exciting concert season, kicking off with a Selena tribute. You can find more on the LSO Season at their website. If you have a budding musician in your household, you may wish to explore involvement in the Lubbock Youth Orchestra. I connected with Kea Beasley, the Director of Education, to discover the array of opportunities available for children aged 7-18. Whether it involves participating in the Buffalo Grass Festival or attending the Education Concerts hosted by LSO, there are various avenues to participate in. A comprehensive list can be found on the LSO education tab.
History buffs and art patrons alike would find The Buddy Holly Hall a must-visit while in Lubbock. This venue not only showcases contemporary pieces from musicians, Broadway productions, and Ballet Lubbock but also serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly through its architectural design. Speaking with Carol Middleton, Marketing and Sales Manager of the Hall, there is a great deal of pride regarding the Hall’s commitment to offering the community top-notch performing arts experiences.
An aspiring artist looking to hone their craft can find opportunity at The South Plains College. The college takes pride in its distinguished history of excellence, as highlighted by artists such as Josh Abbott, Jedd Hughes, and Natalie Maines, as shared by the Commercial Music Coordinator, Brent Wheeler. Their commitment to students shines through in the numerous opportunities offered for involvement in music production, be it live performances or recordings. The college also maintains a faculty of commercial musicians such as Jerry Serrano who are performers and songwriters. This practicing faculty can prepare aspiring musicians to take on everything from a sound engineering career to one in performance.
You want to get into the music scene here in West Texas, then connecting with these studios may be the best route for you. Along with Alan Crossland from Route 1, ACUFF Studios, I got to speak to The Amusement Park Studio’s owner Scott Faris. His passion for giving the independent artist a sound that rivals studio spaces around the nation is something to behold. I was fortunate enough to be asked to come in for a recording session with a local Texas country artist Jenni Dale Lord, where I got to see the passion and dedication to his craft working real-time. Even connecting to local artists like Jenni, who hosts the songwriter series at Bodine’s Cocktail Parlor, will be a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the music scene. One thing I have learned from meeting these extraordinary artists is that our Lubbock community is willing to help other musicians thrive in this space.
In summary, whether you are a budding musician, a seasoned artist, or simply a lover of music, the Texas Music Friendly Community of Lubbock has something to offer. The city’s rich musical heritage, coupled with its dynamic present, creates a thriving environment for everyone to immerse themselves in the world of music. So, take the plunge, explore the local venues, connect with fellow musicians, and become a part of Lubbock’s ever-evolving musical tapestry.
Cameron Insilan was the Lubbock Cultural Arts Foundation’s Teacher Extern for 2024. He teaches elementary music at Bennett Elementary in Frenship Independent School District and is a fan of the Lubbock music scene and the amazing people who make it magic.
