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2026 Texas Regional Music Awards: Full Winners List
The Texas Regional Music Awards once again highlighted the artists, venues, and industry leaders who continue to shape the sound of the Lone Star State. From chart‑topping veterans to rising newcomers, this year’s winners reflect the strength and diversity of Texas music. Below is the complete list of honorees for 2026. Entertainer of the Year: Aaron Watson Male Vocalist of the Year: Josh Weathers Female Vocalist of the Year: Kylie Frey Group/Band of the Year: Randy Rogers
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 252 min read


Jake Bush’s “Cowgirl” Crosses 1 Million Streams on Spotify
Texas country continues to prove its staying power, and this week one of its rising voices hit a major milestone. Jake Bush’s breakout single “Cowgirl” officially surpassed one million streams on Spotify, marking another big moment in the momentum he’s built across the state and beyond. Released on his 2022 project Where 90’s Meets Now, “Cowgirl” quickly became a fan favorite, blending Bush’s smooth vocal style with the kind of modern‑meets‑traditional production that has def
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 241 min read


Texas Music Legend Series: Robert Earl Keen
The Storyteller Who Redefined the Texas Sound Few names carry the weight, respect, and cultural gravity in Texas music quite like Robert Earl Keen. Born January 11, 1956, in Houston, Texas, Keen grew from a book‑loving teenager into one of the most influential songwriters the Lone Star State has ever produced. His blend of Americana, country, folk, and literary storytelling helped shape not just a genre — but an entire generation of Texas and Red Dirt artists who followed in
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 233 min read


Cody Johnson Breaks the Houston Rodeo Attendance Record
Cody Johnson didn’t just close out RodeoHouston — he made history. On March 22, 2026, the Texas native drew the largest crowd ever inside NRG Stadium, setting a new all‑time attendance record for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The energy inside the stadium was electric long before he hit the stage. Jon Pardi and Randy Houser warmed up the crowd, but the roar that met Johnson at 8:40 p.m. was the kind of moment artists dream about — a wall of sound from a sold‑out stadi
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 232 min read


How Streaming Pushed the Texas & Red Dirt Scene to a National Audience
For decades, Texas and Red Dirt music lived outside the mainstream. It thrived in college towns, dancehalls, and dusty bars — powered by loyal fans, relentless touring, and word‑of‑mouth. Nashville didn’t understand it. Radio didn’t prioritize it. Labels didn’t know what to do with it. But then streaming arrived. And everything changed. Streaming didn’t just give Texas/Red Dirt artists a new platform — it leveled the playing field, removed the gatekeepers, and allowed the res
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 173 min read


New Release: Aaron Watson Drops "Horse Named Texas"
Texas country favorite Aaron Watson is back with a powerful new album, Horse Named Texas — a 26‑song collection released on March 6 that showcases his trademark heart, grit, and storytelling. From reflective ballads to full‑throttle country anthems, the record captures Watson at his most personal and ambitious. With standout tracks like the title cut and early fan‑favorite “Old Houses,” the album offers a wide emotional range and plenty for listeners to dig into. Watson teame
Ricky Trietsch
Mar 71 min read


Kyle Park Pays Tribute to Marty Robbins with Bold New Album Release
By Southern Music Scene Staff September 26, 2025 Texas country artist Kyle Park has never shied away from honoring the legends who paved...
Ricky Trietsch
Sep 26, 20252 min read


Tips for Discovering New Venues: A Guide for Local Music Fans
As a local music fan, you know there’s nothing quite like the buzz of discovering live music at a new venue. It might be a cozy bar down...
Ricky Trietsch
Sep 24, 20254 min read
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