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Gary P. Nunn Plays Live in the Hill Country – It Doesn’t Get More Legendary Than This

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Coming on the heels of the opening of the “Outlaws & Armadillos” exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHOF) in Nashville, Tennessee, Gary P. Nunn sat down to discuss his career, the amazing opportunities it has allowed him, and his upcoming show at the Hunt Store in the Texas Hill Country. Honored both in and out of the state of Texas for his country music contributions, Nunn was formally named “The Music Ambassador of Texas” by Governor Rick Perry in 2007. Since then, he has continued his path of performing, writing (a best-selling book, no less), and generally being the quintessential Lone Star State music legend that others aspire to be.

Nunn plays a full-time schedule with two to three weekly performances lined up throughout the month of June, leading into the summer months. There’s no shortage of chances for fans to catch up with Nunn here in Texas. Nunn recently performed at the sold-out opening concert for the aforementioned CMHOF exhibit, at which he was recognized for his contributions to not only the Texas country music scene but the industry as a whole. He explained that the entire event was both “thrilling and gratifying” and “a tremendous honor.” Noting that this exhibit and its complement of events were months in the planning, he also stated that it was “monumental that the Nashville establishment has recognized the contributions of Texas artists.”

Gary P. Nunn is Coming to Hunt Store on June 9 – It Doesn’t Get Much More Legendary Than That

Photo: Facebook/Gary P. Nunn

Ever the ambassador, as his official Texas title would suggest, Nunn has been continually representing and building up the country music industry in the great state of Texas, which he sees as taking extraordinary leaps and bounds in recent years. He, himself, is no stranger to the hectic pace with which the industry is now characterized, having done recent interviews with Sirius XM, Rolling Stone, and other industry media moguls. Not to mention the release (to critical acclaim) of his memoir entitled “At Home with the Armadillo.” Couple that with his touring schedule and his current release (available on iTunes) entitled “Friends for Life,” and you have the makings of a day in the life of a Texas country music diplomat of sorts – never a dull moment. His latest project is a series of duets with artists such as Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett, Kevin Fowler, and Wade Bowen, to name a few. Nunn is continuing to stay extremely relevant in an industry which could rightfully call him its author and architect.

Gary P. Nunn is Coming to Hunt Store on June 9 – It Doesn’t Get Much More Legendary Than That

Photo: Facebook/Gary P. Nunn

Yet, with all of his appearances, his writing, and his music in the forefront, Nunn stated that the Hunt Store “is one of those places I’m thrilled to return to…it’s grown into a wonderful performing venue, and there are some great fans of country music in the area.” Events such as these are special to Nunn. He identifies with playing in family-type establishments and continuing with tradition. He’s a card-carrying fan of the old Texas dance hall and loves making appearances in Hill Country locations like Gruene and Luckenbach. The Hunt Store performance is the type that helps him connect with the fans in an intimate setting, welcoming families to come together and simply have a good time. Nunn’s music comes from the heart, and he’s had great opportunities to share the stage with the likes of Michael Murphy, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Willie Nelson, to name a few. It has allowed him to touch the lives of fans in the Texas Hill Country and beyond for four decades and counting. He’s the Texas country music icon you need to see live, at least once. And, as a founding father of the independent country music movement out of Austin in the 1970s, he’s practically a patriarch of the modern-day Texas country music industry. His impact has been profound, to say the least, and it doesn’t get much more legendary than that!