Kinky Friedman and Gary P. Nunn Talk Classic Texas Country

Dubbed “The Music Ambassador of Texas” by Rick Perry, Gary P. Nunn is a quintessential Texas legend.

His music comes from the soul touching the lives of folks in Austin and beyond. With over 40 years under his belt, Gary has established himself as an icon.

Not to mention, he’s a founding father of the 1970s Austin progressive country movement which has had a profound impact on the direction of popular music.

It doesn’t get much more legendary than Gary P. Nunn. That’s why The Hunt Store is honored to have him kick off our monthly Legends Music Series.

Gary also sat down with Kinky Friedman to talk about the Austin music scene and classic country in general.

The Austin Music Scene Then and Now

The Austin music scene in the 1970s made for quite a time to be alive. Gary remembers arriving in Texas in 1967 during the infamous Charles Whitman (aka. Texas Town Sniper) murders.

At least he thinks that’s when he arrived. Gary does remember one thing about the summer of 1967: attending a Paul Revere and the Raiders concert in New Mexico.

Kinky and Gary go way back – to 1973 when Gary signed his first record deal.

The Austin scene has changed a lot since then – it’s kind of a Hipster Ville today. Instead of colorful characters coming through, it’s more of skinny high-tech folks now.

But Gary doesn’t let it get to him: he just wears his cowboy boots and sticks with it through thick and thin.

Country Music Has Come Full Circle but it Isn’t Quite the Same

Gary talks about his early days in the 70s playing $300 frat party gigs at the New Orleans Club and the Jade room.

Today’s country music coming out of Nashville sounds just like background music for frat parties. It seems like country music has really come full circle: from rock n’ roll country and back to country rock again.

“The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” by Gary P. Nunn is truly a classic that no one can live up to these days. Gary says Willie Nelson covered it perfectly and he’s happy the track made it onto each of his greatest hits albums.

Now, country music artists write in teams of three and the talent pool isn’t quite the same. These people can play their instruments and perform well enough, but not all of them have what it takes to write a standalone great song with deep emotional value.

Gary says that’s because they don’t look deep inward to the heart and soul. Instead, they keep things “pretty.”

Painting Pictures of Texas through Music

Gary’s such a happy guy now. So, how did he write such emotional and touching songs?

Well, he hasn’t always been happy.

His show at the Bandera 20 years ago was incredibly impressive. It makes you wonder how a person can provide the audience with such an experience. It’s as if you’re walking through exactly what the artist experienced themselves.

Gary says that was a great time in his life. He loves reliving those memories but he also enjoys what he’s doing now: pulling some great songs from Guy Clark or Michael Murphy and taking the audience back in time.

It isn’t karaoke – anyone can do that. It’s more about creating an ambiance. Gary likens his work to painting pictures of Texas.

When he moved to Texas from Oklahoma, he fell in love with the stage and the people. As he grew up and moved to Austin, he learned more about the culture and dancing.

The Hunt Store’s Legend Series

The Hunt Store is honored to have the Music Ambassador of Texas – Gary P. Nunn – kick off our Legends Music Series. Gary P. is one of the angels on the shoulder of every Texas songwriter.

We can’t think of a better way to launch our Legends Series than with this delightful sold-out show – thanks, Gary P.!

The Hunt Store hosts the Legends Series events once each month and we’re proud to partner with the greats of Texas music in such an intimate setting.

These special events give guests the opportunity to enjoy a 5-course 5-star meal while they experience an up-close and personal evening with Texas country legends.

Come hear the “stories behind the songs” at our next Legends Music Series event. But hurry: tickets sell out fast due to extremely limited seating.

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