What’s the difference between Western music and Texas music? Well, some Texas music would also fit in the Western category, but generally, Western music deals with the themes of the “wild West”- cowboys, settlers, ranchers, gold and oil prospectors, and their interaction with Native Americans, Mexicans, and the elements. Western music also includes the songs and tunes that you would have heard at a dance or celebration West of the Mississippi during the 19th Century.

Michael Martin Murphey is probably the most visible performer in Western music today. At his web site, you can find well documented links to many of the people and organizations helping to keep this music alive and healthy- including information on West Fest: “ a multi-day western art and national music festival set against the mountain backdrop of majestic Pikes Peak (America’s Mountain)”