Jason Isbell Named Honorary Texan at Austin Show

jason-isbell-honorary-texan

Americana songwriter and performer Jason Isbell is now an honorary Texan according to the office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Isbell received the distinction on Sunday night (7-16) during the 3rd night of a sold-out run at Austin’s Moody Theater, also known as the home of Austin City Limits. Isbell received the distinction via a signed proclamation from the Governor, presented by fiddle player and Director of the Texas Music Office, Brendon Anthony.

The certificate reads:

To all whom these presents shall come. Greetings: Know ye that Jason Isbell is hereby commissioned an Honorary Texan under the laws of the State of Texas, and emoluments appertaining to said office. In testimony whereof, I have signed my name, and caused the Seal of the State of Texas to be affixed at the City of Austin, this, the 9th Day of June, 2017.

–Greg Abbott

The 38-year-old Jason Isbell was born in Green Hill, Alabama, near Muscle Shoals, but already had some stake in Texas. His wife, Amanda Shires, is originally from Lubbock, TX, and also lived in Mineral Wells and other parts of the state early in her life and career, including playing as a 15-year-old fiddle prodigy as part of Bob Wills’ legendary backing band, the Texas Playboys.

Jason Isbell will be able to use his newly-minted Texas citizenry Monday evening when he makes a tour stop in Houston at the Revention Music Center. Then it’s into the deep south and Florida on the current leg of his tour in support of his recently-released album The Nashville Sound. The new album released on June 16th topped the Country, Rock, and Americana charts upon its release. Isbell’s previous album Something More Than Free won two Grammy Awards.

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