Tracing the Rich History of Texas Musicians Through the Years
The early days of Texas music are deeply intertwined with the cultural and social fabric of the state. From the late 19th century, Texas has been a fertile ground for musical innovation and talent. The Dallas State Fair & Exposition, which later evolved into the State Fair of Texas, was chartered on January 30, 1886, by a group of Dallas businessmen. This event marked the beginning of a long tradition of musical performances that would draw thousands of Texans each year.
Differences among the directors over the location of the fairgrounds led to the creation of two separate events: the Dallas State Fair and the Texas State Fair & Exposition. Both fairs featured a variety of musical acts, from local bands to renowned artists, attracting sizable crowds. Despite financial struggles, the fairs merged in 1887, becoming the Texas State Fair & Dallas Exposition, and continued to expand their musical offerings.
At the turn of the century, the fairgrounds became a hub for musical performances, featuring concerts by notable figures such as John Philip Sousa. However, the fair faced numerous challenges, including fires and financial crises. The Texas Legislature’s ban on gambling in 1903 eliminated the fair’s main source of income, leading to the sale of the property to the City of Dallas in 1904. This move ensured the continuation of the annual exposition and its musical traditions.
The reorganized State Fair of Texas thrived, with attendance reaching 300,000 in 1905. The fair hosted performances by President William Howard Taft in 1909 and Woodrow Wilson in 1911. Automobile races and stunt flying exhibitions became top attractions, and by 1916, attendance had surpassed one million. World War I caused the cancellation of the 1918 fair, but the fairgrounds were repurposed as a temporary army encampment.
The 1920s brought significant development to the fairgrounds, including the completion of a magnificent auditorium, later known as the Music Hall, in 1925. This venue introduced outstanding New York shows to Texas audiences for the first time. The Texas-OU football game became an annual fairtime event in 1929, and the construction of the 46,000-seat Fair Park Stadium, later renamed the Cotton Bowl, in 1930 further solidified the fair’s status as a premier entertainment destination.
In 1934, Fair Park was selected as the central exposition site for the Texas Centennial celebration, transforming the fairgrounds into a masterpiece of art and imagination. The 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition attracted over six million people, and the Pan American Exposition in 1937 continued this tradition. No fairs were held from 1942-1945 due to World War II, but the post-war era saw unprecedented growth under the leadership of R.L. Thornton, with attendance reaching two million in 1949.
The 1950s saw the development of an international livestock show, the installation of a monorail system, and a Cotton Bowl concert by Elvis Presley. Vice President Richard Nixon visited the fair, and the iconic 52-foot cowboy figure, Big Tex, made his first appearance. Since 1960, each exposition has been themed, and in 1968, attendance exceeded three million for the first time. Major renovations of the Cotton Bowl and Music Hall were completed during Robert B. Cullum’s tenure as State Fair president.
Tragic midway accidents in 1979 and 1983 led to the adoption of a ride safety program that became a model for the amusement industry. The 1985 fair featured “Eddie Robinson Day,” celebrating the legendary coach of the Grambling University Tigers. In 1986, Fair Park was designated a National Historic Landmark, and the State Fair of Texas hosted a 31-day exposition celebrating both the Texas Sesquicentennial and the fair’s 100th anniversary.
As the fair entered its second century, new leadership took over. In 1988, Errol W. McKoy was named president, extending the fair season from 17 to 24 days and increasing corporate sponsorship. This support allowed the fair to offer a range of exhibits, entertainment, and services unmatched by any annual exposition in North America.
On October 19, 2012, a fire destroyed Big Tex due to an electrical short. However, the beloved icon returned in 2013 with a grand celebration. In 2014, Mitchell Glieber became president, focusing on refreshing the mission statement of the 128-year nonprofit organization. The State Fair of Texas continues to celebrate all things Texan, promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
The State Fair of Texas embodies the rich heritage of the Lone Star State, preserving its historical roots while embracing modern traditions. From its humble beginnings as a local fair and exposition, it has grown into a premier event that showcases the diverse musical talents and cultural contributions of Texas musicians through the years.
Source: Various sources
