The beginning of the Austin music scene
An integral seed of the Austin music scene from 1967 to 1976, Sonobeat’s prodigious output introduced Johnny Winter, Eric Johnson, Rusty Wier, James Polk, and dozens of luminary Texas musicians to the world.
We were there in the ’60s and ’70s...
Austin, Texas. State capital. The University of Texas. Lake Austin, City Park, Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Lake Travis, Hippie Hollow. Rock ’n’ roll radio (KNOW-AM & KAZZ-FM). Country radio (KVET-AM & KOKE-AM). Hot frat parties. Cool night clubs. Live bands everywhere.
Legendary Austin hot spots: Club Saracen, Swingers a Go-Go, Jade Room, IL Club, The Afro, Chequered Flag, 11th Door, New Orleans Club, Broken Spoke, Continental Club, Club Seville, Victory Grill, The Vulcan Gas Company, Armadillo World Headquarters.
Legendary Austin musicians: The Fabulous Chevelles, The Wig, Baby Cakes, Leo and the Prophets, Jerry Jeff Walker, Janis Joplin, Sweetarts, Georgetown Medical Band, Ernie Mae Miller, James Polk, 13th Floor Elevators, Lavender Hill Express, Johnny Winter, The Conqueroo, Shiva’s Headband, New Atlantis, Willie Nelson, and more... Happenin’ sounds.
We were there at the beginning of the Austin music scene.
In the Spotlight
Who’s Who
Over the course of its nine active years, Sonobeat recorded more than 70 acts – bands, combos, duets, and solos – comprised of 212 known individuals. Who’s Who catalogs all the acts and individuals we’ve identified through the Sonobeat archives, internet research, and help from Sonobeat family and friends. Even you may be listed!
Lavender Hill Express
Austin’s first 1960s supergroup, Lavender Hill Express was formed from the collapse of two great ’60s Austin bands, the Baby Cakes and The Wig, plus a former member of The Reasons Why. LHE recorded three singles for Sonobeat and completed most of an album before it, too, collapsed. Three of the band’s members contributed to the birth of Austin’s outlaw country movement in the early 1970s.
Additional Sonobeat features to explore
From how a tiny but influential Austin FM station helped launch Sonobeat to Sonobeat’s connection to psychedelic music pioneers The 13th Floor Elevators to the unique Sonobeat custom 45 RPM singles picture sleeves, we offer fun and informative special features that give you insights into Sonobeat Records and the Austin music scene during the 1960s and ’70s, an epic era in Texas music.
