Official Texas State Musicians

The Texas state musicians are selected for one-year appointments by the Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee.

2003 - James Dick, Round Top

2004 - Ray Benson, Austin

2005 - Johnny Gimble, Tyler

2006 - Billy Joe Shaver, Waco

2007 - Dale Watson, Pasadena, Austin

2008 - Shelley King, Austin

2009 - Willie Nelson, Austin, Abbott

2010 - Sara Hickman, Austin

2011 - Lyle Lovett, Klein

2012 - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Houston

2013 - Craig Hella Johnson, Austin

2014 - Leonardo “Flaco” Jiménez, San Antonio

2015 - Jimmie Vaughan

2016 - Joe Ely

2017 - George Strait

2018 - Marcia Ball

2019 - Little Joe Hernandez

2020 - Emily Gimble