From Playing a Gibson J45 to Escape Chores as a Teenager, to Finding his Voice in Texas’ Vibrant Country Scene, Johnny McGowan’s Musical Journey is as Rich as the Stories in His Songs.

Meet Johnny McGowan, a Tennessee native turned proud Texan who has been gracing the Lone Star State with his scorching guitar playing and passionate performances since 2018.

Johnny is not just any musician—he’s a singer, songwriter storyteller and virtuoso guitar player blending the blues, rockabilly, and country sounds that have inspired him since he was a child.

From playing a Gibson J45 to escape lawn chores as a teenager, to finding his voice in Texas’ vibrant music scene, Johnny’s journey is as rich as the stories in his songs.

As a working musician, Johnny’s mission is clear: to let people know they aren’t alone through his heartfelt lyrics and melodies. A longtime admirer of Texas music legends like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny brings his unique style to the stage, aspiring to shine among Austin’s rich musical legacy.

When he’s not playing gigs, Johnny embraces all things Texas—from the stunning sunsets and sprawling landscapes to the cowboy culture and welcoming community spirit. Today, we’re lucky to sit down with Johnny and hear his thoughts on life in Austin, Texas, his journey as a musician, and what makes the Lone Star State a place like no other.

Let’s dive into his story, his recommendations, and his love for Texas.

Nice to meet you, Johnny! Tell us where you’re from, and how long you’ve lived in Texas.

I grew up in Knoxville Tennessee. I have been coming to Texas for over 20 years and finally made the jump in 2018.

Tell us about what you do you do for a living, and what’s your mission or passion behind it?

You are looking at a bona fide working musician. My mission is to let people know they aren’t alone through my songs. They can listen and perhaps say, “I’ve felt exactly the same way!”

What’s your backstory, and what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

People ask what got me into music. For some it’s fame, some it’s fortune and for some it’s adoration by the opposite sex. For me… I got into music to get out of lawn maintenance. Ha!

You see when my step-father was courting my ma, he would stop by the house early in the morning after his ten hour truck driving shift where he’d pick up my older brother or me, then we’d go to his farm in this little holler called Maynardville, Tennessee.

I figured out if I could get my hands on his Gibson J45 guitar, start strumming, then he’d let me play a while. Staving off going out cutting grass or weed eating. I’d plead “just five more minutes!” and he’d let me play a bit more. He knew what I was doing. Ha! But, I think he liked I was getting better.

My guitar teacher would get me to figure out songs on the radio. One day “La Grange” came on. It knocked my socks off. After that my brother gave me a Stevie Ray Vaughn dubbed cassette tape. Then I found a used Big Guitars From Texas CD and loved it! It was blues, it was country, it was rockabilly, it was surf. It was all the things I wanted to play. I was hooked on Texas music.

I moved to Georgia for a long time, playing blues and rockabilly and started listening to country more and more. It was the stories that I liked better in the lyrics. They reminded me of all the music I heard growing up, truck-driving music.

Coming to Texas was like taking the shackles off. The musicians here are some of the best in the world when it comes to classic country. They want to be the best at their craft and so do I.

I’ve worn lots of hats. I’ve worn the hat of bank teller, plumber, small business manager, real estate agent, data entry, you name it. No matter what, I always stated I was a proud musician. In my DNA.

What do you love most about Texas, and why does it hold a special place in your heart?

I used to call my mom who lived in Maynardville, Tennessee, and pitch Texas to her. I’d say, “Ma, I know you’re not going to come to visit, but if you did, you’d LOVE this beautiful Texas sky.” She would reply, “Well… I have a sky here too ya know.” I’d say: “But mom, it just ain’t the same. It’s HUGE here. Plus blue. Bluer than you’ve ever seen. And it stretches from one side of the horizon to the other.”

You see back in east Tennessee, I never really saw the sunrise or sunset – it just got dark. I mean there was always a hill, or knoll or ridge that would block out the first and last rays of the sun. In the mornings, it would “get light.” In the evenings, it’d “get dark.” Things would be lit up but more in shadow for a spell. Then it would get twilight, then dark.

Here in Texas, when it’s sunrise, you know it! The sun’s up and then ready to go. When it’s sunset, you can see for miles and miles. It’s waaay over there to the west. And the colors! Hues of crimson, scarlet, tangerine, marigold, cobalt, slate and denim.

You see, mom passed away in 2022. Wish that she could have seen that.

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What makes Austin unique, and why do you love it?

I love Austin for many reasons. The weather is amazing. I love the heat. Turn it up! All the great outdoor stuff to do. And It has an amazingly rich history of music. I hope to be a part of that legacy one day where people will speak my name and say that I was a proud adopted son of the Lone Star state.

What would you want people outside of Texas—or those considering moving here—to know about the state?

Leave your state, culture, politics, history, fashion, mindset at the state line. Be a Texan. Join in. Embrace the rich culture of Texas.

From cowboy boots and Stetson hats, to saying ‘sir’ and ‘ma-am’, learn how to two-step. Patronize these amazing dancehalls like Gruene, Luckenbach, Albert, and Twin Sisters. Tip your hat to lady, open the door for folks. Stop your car and help a stranded motorist. Slow down, enjoy the view. And don’t litter – the eyes of Texas are upon you!

In your opinion, what makes Texas special compared to other states?

Texas is special because it’s where the South meets the West. It has everything. One of the best representation of what Texas has to offer in a song is “Beautiful Texas” written by former Governor Lee ‘Pappy’ O’Daniel. It goes:

Beautiful beautiful Texas

Where the beautiful bluebonnets grow

We’re proud of our forefathers

Who fought at the Alamo

You can live on the plains or the mountains

Or down where the sea breezes blow

But you’re still in beautiful Texas

The most beautiful place that I know

Musically speaking, we’ve got Bob Wills, Doug Sahm, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Cindy Walker, Buck Owens, Vaughan brothers Jimmy & Stevie, Buddy Holly, jazz saxophonist Ornette Coleman, Scott Joplin, Roy Orbison, the LeRoi Brothers, Alvin Crow, Asleep at the Wheel, Texas Tornados, and the list goes on and on.

Why have you chosen to stay in Texas instead of moving away?

Although I grew up in east Tennessee, my home will always be Texas. One of the best compliments came from a senior at a retirement home I was playing. She asked where I was from, I told her Knoxville Tennessee. She paused, then said, “Well…you make a good Texan!” I was flying a foot off the ground all day long.

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What are your top 5 must-visit places in Austin, Texas, and why are they special to you?

My top five ‘must see’ places in Austin are:

1. Barton Springs Pool – a natural springs pool the size of a football field. Nothing feels better than to jump in on a 103° day.
2. Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail – over 12 miles of gravel, dirt and pavement trail on the edge of Town Lake (non-locals call it “Lady Bird” lake but she hated that). Love running the trail, saluting Stevie Ray Vaughan statue, then jumping the springs.
3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – it’s in the hill country and totally worth the trip. HUGE granite rock outcropping with tons of trails.
4. Jo’s Coffee “Sinner’s Brunch” – go there on SoCo on Sunday mornings for java and live band two-stepping right off the street. When you take your photo of “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH” wall, you are already there.
5. South Congress Ave Bat Bridge – It’s the largest urban bat colony in the world. An hour before dusk, you’ll see thousands of bats fly from under the bridge into the night’s sky, heading to feed as the evening cools.

What are your top 3-5 favorite restaurants in Austin Texas, and what makes them stand out? Favorite dish?

1. Veracruz Tacos – love the Furioso. I’m not vegetarian, but it tastes awesome!
2. Mickelwait Craft Meats – not only are the meats excellent, their sides are the bomb.
3. Jewboy Burgers on Airport – Honest! That’s the name. Try the Oy Vey Guey.
4. Phoebe’s on Oltorf – banana bread french toast and also the chorizo hash.
5. KG BBQ – fusion of Egyptian spices and classic Texas seasonings. Owner Kareem is a great two-step dancer!

What’s your idea of a perfect weekend getaway or adventure in Texas?

So many good options for a weekend getaway. If you want a weekend of Texas history, try San Antonio’s the Alamo. Weekend of art? Try Houston. Weekend of camping and vistas? Gotta go see Big Bend National Park and Terlingua Ghost Town. If doing a ‘stay-cation’ in Austin, paddle board town lake, go swimming in Barton Springs, and walk around South Congress. It’s amazing.

Where are your favorite places to shop (for Western clothes? Records? Amps/guitars) in Austin, Texas, and what makes them worth visiting?

Austin has great vintage pop-up markets. There is my pal Sol’s Fieldwork Vintage and Golden Hits Vintage. I’m a vintage boot purist, so finding them is a fun challenge. Pavement has a pretty good selection. If vintage furniture and tchotchke’s, there’s Blue Velvet on N. Loop. Austin Vintage Guitars on Red River has an amazing stash of great instruments and amps.

Do you have any favorite “hidden gems” in Texas, like out-of-the-way places for live music or unique experiences?

Best hidden gem in Austin is the Little Longhorn Saloon, home of the original Chicken Sh#t Bingo. It happens every Sunday. My favorite band that plays there is Jason Roberts Band. He’s a great fiddler and singer. Check him out.

Staying at the old Silver Spur Dancehall ruins in Bandera Tx and dancing at Arkey Blues enjoying a cold Shiner bock.

Are there any quirky or weird things about Austin Texas you love, or are there Texans you admire? What do they represent about the state?

The moontowers are uniquely Austin. I think there are about fifteen remaining. They light up the sky at night and have a great backstory. At Christmas, everyone walks the trail of lights and then at the end, “spin under the moontower” at Zilker Park.

Another thing here is people unironically wearing cowboy boots everywhere. You’ll see a surgeon in brown leather Nocona’s, a politician wearing lizard skin Tecova’s and a guy in cargo shorts mowing his lawn in 101° heat wearing some old worn out Justin’s.

Another thing about Austin is all the grackle birds. They are everywhere and make the craziest sounds you’ve ever heard.

Local icon Samuel Greyhorse riding his steed down south Congress, visiting business and sometimes both he and his horse coming inside for a quick photo op and a hurrah!

And no matter what day of the week, or time, you can find at least three bands to go two-step dancing to. I suggest to everyone coming to visit Austin Texas to embrace the culture, join in the fun, don a straw or felt cowboy hat, get some boot-cut jeans, find a pearl-snap, grab some Nocona’s, learn to two-step, and tip the band.

I’ll leave you with some wise words from a local songwriter (me): 

If you’ve ever found yourself drinking Lone Star Beer, playing Willie Nelson for the neighborhood to hear. Don’t let no one tell you what your doing’s wrong, sounds like you were Texan all along.

Connect with Johnny McGowan:
w: www.johnnymcgowan.com
f: johnny.mcgowan.plays.guitar
i:@johnny_plays_guitar

 

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