Austin's Black Musicians & Music Festivals
Austin is the soul of Texas, and the city earns the title of Live Music Capital of the World® by showcasing bands seven nights a week in more than hundreds of live music venues across town. We are also home to world-class festivals where we deliver the best in music, dance and food. For visitors, exploring Austin’s Black music heritage isn't just a history lesson; it is a deep dive into the city's foundational spirit. Here, the barrelhouse blues of the 1920s seamlessly meets the psychedelic soul of the modern era, creating a musical lineage that is as much about community and survival as it is about performance.
Antone's. Credit to Arnold Wells.
History
Austin has long been known for its live music scene, but what many visitors might not know is the longstanding history of contributions by Austin’s Black music community which laid the roots for Austin to become the Live Music Capital that we know today. Like many great stories, it all started with the blues.
During the period of segregation between East and West Austin, it was the power of music that brought people together and put Austin on the map. The East side became one of the liveliest blues scenes in Texas, and remains so today. Pianist Roosevelt Thomas “Grey Ghost” Williams is credited for pioneering the blues sound of Austin in the 1920s. And touring acts from such greats as Ray Charles and even the King of the Blues himself, B. B. King, all made the trip to play at East Austin juke joints like Charlie’s Playhouse and the still operational Victory Grill whenever they were passing through town.
If you’re interested in taking a deeper dive into the fascinating history of Austin music, visit the Texas Music Museum to see artifacts and tour exhibits that bring the city’s musical legacy to life or check out our guide to Austin's Music History online.
Stubb's. Credit to RRCD & Jay Ybarra.
Venues
Opened in 1945 and originally on the Chitlin’ Circuit, the Victory Grill hosted acts such as B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, W.C. Clark, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Chuck Berry and Janis Joplin. Today, you can still catch live music at this legendary juke joint-turned-restaurant under the name of Victory East.
The original Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, founded in 1968, quickly became a stage for musicians like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. Its musical legacy continues to live on through two stages of live music and a revolving roster of national and local acts. Don’t miss their Sunday Gospel Brunch, with live Gospel music and a world-renowned menu, featuring such items as: southern style grits, migas, fried catfish and their famous barbecue brisket, complete with a bespoke Bloody Mary bar.
Since first opening on Sixth Street in 1975, Antone's Nightclub club has hosted the likes of Buddy Guy, Ray Charles, James Brown, Jackie Venson, Gary Clark Jr. and others. Now the legendary club, co-owned by Gary Clark Jr. himself, has moved to the corner of Fifth and Lavaca Streets, but it remains the home of the blues in Austin with nightly shows from locals and legends.
While much of Austin’s musical history is rooted in the Eastside, the spirit of the neighborhood's legendary juke joints lives on at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul on South Congress. Named after Louis “C-Boy” Parks (a legendary figure in Austin’s music community and a mentor to many local musicians) the venue was built to feel like an authentic, mid-century R&B club. The Jade Room upstairs offers a cozy, lounge-like atmosphere, while the main stage downstairs is one of the best places in the city to catch classic soul and rhythm and blues.
Named for the legendary jazz trumpeter and East Austinite, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard is an outdoor music venue, located in the heart of the historic East End cultural district, just down the street from Kenny Dorham’s last home in Austin. Home to regular events, the bulk of the live music programming honors the traditional African American music community - jazz, blues, rhythm and blues and gospel - once anchored along East 11th Street.
Jackie Venson. Credit David Brendan Hall.
Artists
Austin’s music scene is far from a museum piece; it is a thriving movement that continues to push boundaries. While the world celebrates the psychedelic soul of the Black Pumas and the blistering blues-rock of Gary Clark, Jr., a new wave of artists is redefining the city's sound. Jackie Venson, a sonic pioneer and a multi-award-winning guitarist, blends rock and electronic beats into a mesmerizing live show. Meanwhile, artists like Mélat—known for her captivating R&B—incorporate deep cultural roots into ethereal soul, and The Peterson Brothers keep the funk tradition alive with infectious, high-energy performances.
Tameca Jones' thoughtful lyricism and grounded sound has earned her the title of "Austin's Empress of Soul". Local rapper, Mama Duke, recently reached a massive national audience after being featured on America’s Got Talent. Austin's hip-hop scene is showcased best in the music by Geto Gala—the high-energy collaboration between Jake Lloyd and Deezie Brown—who recently showed off their chops with a standout performance at ACL.
You can’t have an art scene without the people who make it up. Find even more local Black artists in our Iconic Austin Music Guide here, or check out the Spotify playlist below.
