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Texas Red Dirt Music Is Booming, and Governor Abbott Is Taking Notice

Everything is bigger and better in Texas, including the music. Once a grassroots movement, Texas music has evolved into a powerhouse genre fueling the state’s economy. Now, even Governor Greg Abbott is recognizing its impact, as the latest 2025 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report confirms the massive growth of Texas’ music scene. The Texas Music festivals, like the West Texas Outlaws and Legends Music Fest, are bigger and better in the Lone Star State.

A Billion-Dollar Industry That Started With a Redneck Mother

As a 50+ year veteran broadcaster, I’ve had a front-row seat to the rise of Texas Red Dirt music. While some argue its roots go even further back, I believe the movement truly began when Ray Wylie Hubbard wrote Up Against the Wall Redneck Mother, which Jerry Jeff Walker recorded in 1973. Then, in 1976, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings released "Wanted! The Outlaws", cementing the rebellious, rock and country spirit of Texas music.

Fast forward to 2025, and that outlaw spirit has turned into a booming industry. Governor Abbott’s Texas Music Office (TMO) reports that the Texas music scene now generates $31.7 billion in annual revenue, with more than 196,000 jobs created statewide. Those jobs many of which include, the creation of small businesses, industry-related businesses, temporary jobs, and permanent jobs as you'll see in the list below.

Texas Governor Abbott's Findings:

Texas Music Draws Crowds and Creates Jobs

Governor Abbott, a strong advocate for Texas music, proudly announced that live music is bringing visitors from around the globe, boosting local businesses, and attracting skilled talent to the Lone Star State.

“The Texas music industry employs hundreds of thousands of Texans and generates billions in economic activity,” Abbott said. “Together, we will continue to create good-paying jobs and build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before.”

TMO Director Chip Adams echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Texas has the first and longest-running state music office in the nation, helping communities boost job creation and economic expansion through music.

The Future of Texas Red Dirt Music

With over 70 certified Music Friendly Communities across Texas and a music tourism boom, the future of Texas Red Dirt has never looked brighter. From the honky-tonks of Fort Worth to the dance halls of Gruene and the backyard BBQ jams in Abilene, Texas music is not just surviving, it’s thriving.

Governor Abbott’s recognition of the industry’s success is just another reason why Texas Red Dirt is more than just a genre, it’s an unstoppable movement. And if history has taught us anything, it's that when Texas does something, it does it big.

So, whether you're cranking up Cody Johnson, two-stepping to Pat Green, or singing along to Turnpike Troubadours, just remember: Texas music isn’t just here to stay, it’s here to dominate.

LOOK: Who's Coming To Outlaws and Legenda 2025

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival '25, The Complete Lineup

This year's festival will be on Saturday May, 10th. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Jan 31st, 10 a.m. at reddirtbbqfest.com.

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival '24 Official Photo Gallery: Part 2