January 9th, 2015
Discontent simmering over ouster of longtime Texas Music Office director

COVER: Ray Wylie Hubbard, an elder statesman of the Texas music scene, performs during the Lone Star Music Awards at the former Texas Music Theater in April 2013. MERCURY FILE PHOTO by SANDRA EIDENBERG

by REEVE HAMILTON

AUSTIN — Since the Texas Music Office was established in 1990, the division housed in the Texas governor’s office has been run by Casey Monahan, a former music writer. After a quarter century, that’s about to change.

Monahan

The Texas Music Office was created with a legislative mandate to “promote the development of the music industry in the state by informing members of that industry and the public about the resources available in the state for music production.” The staff also serves as the liaison between the industry and state government.

The news of Monahan’s departure has drawn strong reactions from those in the music industry.

Monahan said he did not know if the incoming governor’s plans for the Texas Music Office extended beyond a leadership change. A spokesman for Abbott declined to comment on the situation.

Monahan said he did not know what his next gig would be, but added that it would probably be in the music industry — and, he added, hopefully in Texas.