Today is the birthday of DJ Screw. He would be 56 today. DJ Screw slowed down rap music until it felt like syrup pouring. Robert Earl Davis Jr. entered the world in Smithville, Texas, near Austin. He later moved to Houston, Texas, where his sound truly formed. That move happened while he was still a […]
Today is the birthday of Charlie Christian. He would be 111 today. Charlie Christian plugged in a guitar and jazz never sounded the same again. He grew up in Bonham, Texas, chasing his father's street-corner band for spare change. Charlie Christian's Bonham, Texas upbringing taught him rhythm before he owned a real instrument. Then he […]
Today is the birthday of Arnett Cobb. He would be 109 today. Arnett Cobb blew his tenor saxophone like a freight train picking up speed downhill. He grew up in Houston, Texas, surrounded by the city's booming dance-hall scene. Arnett Cobb's Houston, Texas roots gave his sound a raw, physical power. He joined Lionel Hampton's […]
Today is the birthday of Charlie Sexton. He would be 59 today. Charlie Sexton entered the world in San Antonio, but Austin, Texas raised the guitarist inside him. His family moved there when he was only four years old. He started playing professional gigs on Sixth Street before he hit puberty. That early fame felt […]
