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Back in time 50 years.
Our two cents worth.
Sonobeat Records
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The beginning of the Austin music scene

(Re)discover the roots of Austin music

Austin in the '60s and '70s

Austin music starts here!

Only in Austin can you find Austin City Limits, SXSW, and an Afro-jazz-to-Zydeco musical night life. In the late '60s and early '70s, Austin music already is sizzling with it's own brand of psychedelic rock, progressive country, and jazz fusion, fueled by 40,000 University of Texas students, a booming high school garage band scene, and the center of Texas government. Here are the roots of Austin music.

Back in time: 1974

A look back 50 years

OK, time to trip on back to Austin, Texas, and the world fifty years ago. From the trivial to the consequential, 1974 was another banner year for worldwide social and political upheaval. We scan through highlights of the year, with particular attention to the happenings in Austin, Sonobeat Records' hometown. We invite you to join us on a quick tour of the past as we jump back in time: 1974.

Sonobeat Milestones

Zip through Sonobeat's history

Sonobeat Records documents the Austin music scene spanning the mid-'60s to mid-'70s, releasing dozens of phonograph records by Austin, Central Texas, and world artists. Sonobeat Milestones is a fun and easy-to-navigate timeline through Sonobeat's history – date-by-date and event-by-event – with quick links to stories of artists Sonobeat recorded. It's a zip line through Austin music history!

Sonobeat Artists on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more

  • The Conqueroo

    The classic psyched-out single (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2020)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's first single (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • The Conqueroo

    Psych-rock single (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2020)

  • Plymouth Rock

    The classic rock single (1969)
    50th anniversary reissue (2019)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's second single (1968)
    50th anniversary reissue (2018)

  • Lee Arlano Trio

    The classic pop jazz album (1968)
    Restored and remastered (2014)

  • Johnny Winter

    Johnny's first album (1969)
    Capitol Records remastered edition (2005)

  • Lavender Hill Express

    Austin '60s super-group's first single (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • Sweetarts

    Sonobeat's first single release (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

  • Lee Arlano Trio

    Sonobeat's first jazz single (1967)
    Restored and remastered (2014)

  • Sweetarts

    Sonobeat's first single "B" side (1967)
    50th anniversary reissue (2017)

Sonobeat Features Spotlight