Fire in the Water, Earth in the Air

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From Buddy Holly and the Crickets to Natalie Maines, Lubbock, Texas, has produced a remarkable array of musicians and artists alongside its cotton and conservatives. While the city's conservative reputation is well-known, the reasons behind its vibrant creative spirit remain a mystery. Is it merely a lack of distractions, or does Lubbock possess unique qualities that foster artistic expression? In this exploration, Christopher Oglesby interviews twenty-seven artists and musicians connected to Lubbock, uncovering insights into what fuels their creativity. Some express a desire to rebel against limiting conventional attitudes, while others, like Joe Ely, highlight the liberating vastness of the West Texas plains, stating, "There is this empty desolation that I could fill if I picked up a pen and wrote." Conversely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore suggests that luck plays a significant role in the Lubbock phenomenon, which remains difficult to explain. The interviews collectively paint a vivid picture of Lubbock's artistic community, showcasing iconic venues like the Cotton Club and Stubb's Barbecue. This multifaceted portrayal of the West Texas music scene delves into the essence of creating art in a challenging environment. As Oglesby notes, "Necessity is the mother of creation," suggesting that Lubbock's need for beauty and expression has birthed extraordinary talents like Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, Terry Allen, and Joe Ely.