The state also boasts bragging rights when it comes to the number of influential guitarists who have called it their home. Which begs the question: Just what is it about Texas, and why has it been such a fertile breeding ground for guitarists?
The oft-used phrase "There must be something in the water," comes to mind, though no doubt Billy Gibbons would make a strong case for tequila. But perhaps there's something about the state's sheer magnitude, its rich history and renegade spirit that inspires guitarists to dream big and channel those ideas into their music unbound by restrictions. Or maybe it's simply what choreographer (and Texas native) Tommy Tune once said: "I think Texans have more fun than the rest of the world."
When we crafted the following list of Texas guitarists, we had to consider what actually constituted a "Texas guitarist," and our criteria was based on anyone born there, raised there or who made their greatest impact there. There were, however, certain qualifiers that could be seen as subjective. For example, Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio was born in Fort Worth, but since he moved to New Jersey when he was three and then relocated to Vermont-where he's famously lived ever since - it would be a gigantic stretch of the imagination to call him a "Texas guitarist." (Should we ever publish an issue celebrating guitarists from the Northeast, Anastasio will be there.)
Be advised: After reading about the 30 guitarists we've highlighted here (which are not presented in any sort of numerical "order"), you might find yourself playing guitar with a new sense of swagger. In which case, don't thank us - thank them.
STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
This story is from the Holiday 2022 edition of Guitar World.
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This story is from the Holiday 2022 edition of Guitar World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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