No…you’re thinking of Jack White. This gentleman who passed away yesterday was the founder/owner of Austin’s Broken Spoke, a honky tonk started in the mid Sixties. Over the years, numerous famous performers came through: Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Asleep at the Wheel to name a few. I think the (Dixie) Chicks even played when they weren’t a big deal yet. The place became an institution for not just Country and Western music but Americana (I can only think of artists who flirt with this, Elvis Costello, Brandi Carlile, Shawn Colvin) and Alt-Country (Cracker, Leftover Salmon, Drive-by Truckers). The venue even played a part in the recent movie Yellow Rose with local fave Dale Watson as the performer and being a version of himself.
Sadly, the Broken Spoke‘s fate is in doubt. When White started, wayyyyy South Lamar was barely occupied and the place was surrounded by mesquite trees. Now it’s surrounded by overpriced condos, Hipster-gathering points and other conveniences of wealthier people who imported Dallasification, Houstonization and Californication. If you don’t get the references by now…translation: the beloved place sits on very coveted land the One Percenters want and the city government will hand over for peanuts.
Let’s hope White has either offspring willing to fight or someone willing to step in to save it. There’s no point in Austin’s marketing people continuing the lie about us being the Live Music Capital of the World if the musicians have to commute from Belton and all the venues are owned by Clear Channel.
Thanks for everything James. You contributed greatly to all music genres and Austin’s character. You earned a statue to stand alongside SRV, Ann and Willie.