Recordings & Discographies
15 Essential Albums of the 1970s Texas Progressive Country Era
Last reviewed: October 27, 2026
If you want to understand 1970s Austin music, start with these 15 albums. Together they cover the scene's party records, its great songwriters and its links to Western swing and outlaw country.
The list
1. Jerry Jeff Walker — ¡Viva Terlingua! (1973)
The Luckenbach live-in-the-hall classic. Read the oral history.
2. The Lost Gonzo Band — The Lost Gonzo Band (1975)
The band's own debut on MCA. See the discography.
3. Michael Martin Murphey — Geronimo's Cadillac (1972)
A spark for the whole movement. More on Murphey.
4. Willis Alan Ramsey — Willis Alan Ramsey (1972)
The one-and-only album that songwriters still study. Read our feature.
5. Jerry Jeff Walker — Jerry Jeff Walker (1972)
His first MCA record, cut with Austin players.
6. Guy Clark — Old No. 1 (1975)
Deeply crafted Texas songs including 'Desperados Waiting for a Train'.
7. Townes Van Zandt — Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas (1977)
A solo performance that captures one of Texas's greatest writers.
8. Willie Nelson — Shotgun Willie (1973)
The record that marked Willie's turn toward his Texas-based sound.
9. Willie Nelson — Red Headed Stranger (1975)
A spare concept album that crossed over far beyond Texas.
10. Doug Sahm — Doug Sahm and Band (1973)
San Antonio's Tex-Mex rock and country hero with star friends.
11. Rusty Wier — Don't It Make You Wanna Dance (1975)
Rusty Wier's dancehall energy at its peak.
12. B.W. Stevenson — My Maria (1973)
Austin's 'Buckwheat' scores a national hit.
13. Asleep at the Wheel — Texas Gold (1975)
Western swing revived for a new generation.
14. Steven Fromholz — A Rumor in My Own Time (1976)
Witty, literate songwriting from a scene favorite.
15. Ray Wylie Hubbard and the Cowboy Twinkies (1975)
From the writer of 'Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother'.
How we chose
We picked records that were influential at the time, still hold up today, and together show the range of the scene. This is an editorial selection, not a sales chart. Read how we work in our editorial policy.
Want a gentler starting point? Try the beginner's listening guide. For background reading, see our books on Austin music history.
Share your story
Were you there? Have a correction?
Memories, corrections and archival leads help us keep this history accurate.
Contact the archive