ABOUT
The Austin Brothers are accomplished musicians who embarked on intersecting musical journeys. Jack Johnson, a Texan, embraced country and bluegrass influenced by his father. Charlie Richards, from a musical family, mastered multiple instruments. Their paths converged at Texas State University. They play a unique blend of country, bluegrass, and folk that has captivated audiences across the country. Don't miss their next live show!
- The Austin Brothers -
The Austin Brothers are a music band that plays a unique blend of country, bluegrass, and folk. Their music is influenced by the individual journeys of Jack Johnson and Charlie Richards, who have mastered multiple instruments and converged their paths at Texas State University. Their live shows are a must-see, as they bring a whole different sound to their music. This is a great space to learn more about the Austin Brothers and their journey, as well as to get a glimpse of their music and upcoming shows.
Jack Johnson and Charlie Richards, both accomplished musicians, embarked on distinct yet intersecting musical journeys, weaving a harmonious tale of passion and perseverance.
Jack Johnson, a native of a charming Texan town, was introduced to the world of music by his father, Cary, a skilled guitarist. Music became an integral part of Jack's life from an early age, as he plucked his first guitar strings at the tender age of 8. Under the influence of his father, who was not only a connoisseur of country melodies but also an avid lover of bluegrass, Jack's musical horizons expanded. He embraced the evocative sounds of the 5-string banjo and the upright bass, in addition to mastering the art of country guitar. During his high school years, Jack formed various bands with close friends, filling local festivals and talent shows with their infectious rhythms.
Charlie Richards, on the other hand, grew up in a family ministry deeply rooted in song, the Richards Family Singers. His musical journey began with a harmonious childhood, playing drums at the age of 5 and mastering the harmonica by the age of 6. By 15, he had become proficient on the rhythm guitar. His family's musical odyssey took them through 26 states and Mexico, connecting with audiences across 29 different denominations. Their journey was chronicled through the recording of four albums, and their melodies graced television and radio broadcasts.
Their paths converged when they met while attending Texas State University. Fate intervened one weekend when Charlie filled in on drums for Jack's band. This serendipitous moment marked the inception of their own musical venture. Their music resonated through the honky-tonks and dance halls of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
In 1991, driven by their dreams, they made the bold move to Nashville. The neon lights of Nashville's Broadway Avenue illuminated their path, as they graced the stages of iconic clubs. A record deal with Atlantic Records in the mid-1990s was a testament to their talent, although it was short-lived when new management took over. Their enduring partnership spans over 32 years, a testament to their unwavering dedication to the craft.
Today, Jack and Charlie continue to create music that resonates deeply. They perform at charitable events, private parties, and political gatherings, captivating the hearts of Governors, Senators, Congressmen, and local government leaders. Charlie's rendition of the national anthem at a Trump rally in Chattanooga marked a defining moment in their journey. Their melodies have opened for acclaimed artists such as Trace Adkins, John Rich, Johnny Rodriguez, and Larry Gatlin. Their combined story is a testament to the enduring power of their passion, familial influence, and the magnetic pull of their harmonious melodies.