The History of Music in San Antonio

San Antonio's important and unique musical history arose from its status as a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries. Now, The History of Music in San Antonio chronicles the city's long, rich legacy in an exciting collaboration of more than thirty-five musicians, scholars, music writers, record collectors, and others. Organized into four sections--Musical Migrations, Secular and Sacred Traditions, Vernacular Traditions, and Popular Roots and Modern Pop--the book explores a diverse array of musical genres, venues, organizations, and the composers and performers responsible for that legacy.

Editors Mark Brill, William Glenn, and Stan Renard encourage readers to listen not only to the music but also to the people and the places behind it. They provide insight on how music intersects with migration, politics, and religion as well as how genres like conjunto, jazz, punk, and hip-hop have emerged from these intersections. With nearly 400 illustrations, the book provides a visual journey through the city's fascinating musical adventures.

The History of Music in San Antonio bridges visual storytelling and scholarly depth, offering a deeper understanding of the city's musical identity to general readers, scholars, students, and music aficionados and shares a profound appreciation for the unique and varied contributions of San Antonio to both the national and the international music world.