Billy Joe Shaver Named Texas State Musician

Press release
Source: Cary Baker/conqueroo

Commission announces appointments of State Poet Laureate, Musician and Visual Artists

Country music legend Billy Joe Shaver was named Texas State Musician as the Texas Commission on the Arts has announced its appointments to the positions of state poet laureate, state musician, state two-dimensional artist and state three-dimensional artist. These positions, created by SB 1043 of the 77th Legislature, will be filled by one-year appointments. The eight appointees named for 2005 and 2006 were selected for years of excellence and dedicated commitment to the arts in Texas.

The 2005 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Alan Brikelbach of Plano, Texas State Musician Johnny Gimble of Tyler, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Kathy Vargas of San Antonio, and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist Sharon Kopriva of Houston. The 2006 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Red Steagall of Fort Worth, Texas State Musician Billy Joe Shaver of Waco, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist George Boutwell of Bosque, and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist James Surls of Athens.

"These men and women bring art and culture to Texans everyday," Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, chair of the House of Representative's Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism said. "I am honored to have them live in our great state, and am pleased that we could salute them with these designations."

Nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. They must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications.

In addition, poet laureate nominees must have a substantial body of work, including at least one publication that is not self-published or vanity press.

State musician nominees must have a substantial body of work, including at least two nationally available records, or at least 20 years experience teaching music in a formal classroom, or must receive the majority of their income from musical endeavors. Visual artist nominees must work in two- or three-dimensional art mediums, must have participated in at least one one-person show, and must have an extensive history of exhibiting in recognized museums and galleries.

"This diverse group of artists is among Texas' best and brightest," said Texas Commission on the Arts Executive Director Rick Hernandez. "The title of state artist, poet and musician honors these Texan's dedication to their passion."

The Texas Legislature organized TCA in 1965 to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. The commission provides funding and other supportive measures, such as arts education and cultural tourism programs, for a variety of arts-related activities, including visual and literary arts, film and multi-media, performing arts, music and theater. TCA assistance contributes to both the enhanced quality of life and the healthy economic climate of Texas through support of artists and arts organizations. TCA also stimulates arts education at the local level and fosters cooperation among arts and cultural organizations and academic institutions. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit http://www.arts.state.tx.us .

Billy Joe Shaver is presently touring on the heels of his Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver -- Live (Compadre Records), released last week. The tribute disc finds him flanked by such Texas legends as Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Guy Clark, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Todd Snider, Dale Watson and more. Additionally, Shaver's autobiography, Honky Tonk Hero, was recently published by University of Texas Press. A "60 Minutes" segment on his life was shot by Dan Rather and will shortly be scheduled. Shaver is presently in the studio completing a new studio album due for September release.