“Viva Terlingua” Brought to Life at The Wittliff
By Leyla Anderson
Jerry Jeff Walker was a cowboy and country music artist who shaped the genre during it’s early stages in the 1960s; he released around 30 albums in his lifetime. Hector Saldana, the art music curator at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University, oversaw creating the newest exhibit: “Viva Terlingua: The Big Bang of Texas Music.
“We digitized the original 16 track tape, and we found an additional about 75 minutes’ worth of audio that was never released. That’s just playing in the [exhibit] room.” said Saldana.
The Wittliff and Saldana will be given producer credits on the newly discovered recordings. The original album was released 50 years ago and the new recordings were discovered this year. These recordings are receiving attention on the national level. The newly discovered recordings of the album caused Saldana to be invited to New York to speak on his findings and process. Sharing Walker’s life story is important to Saldana.
He is working to make sure the backbones of country music are remembered by future generations. Saldana breathes new life into the album after having the chance to meet the musicians, Los Gonzos Band, and it’s lead singer song writer, Jerry Jeff Walker. The album “Viva Terlingua” came out in 1973. The Wittliff’s collections is made up of art in a variety of mediums. Walker visited the museum multiple times before his passing away in 2020.
“He came to the Wittliff, we had a couple of events for him. Actually, one time, it (the hat) was in a case similar to this and he said, ‘open up that case’ and he put the hat on and said, oh man it still fits.” said Saldana.
Saldana also said that during a visit to The Wittliff, Walker saw a replica of the ukelele he played growing up, asked for the case to be unlocked and began playing the ukelele and singing. That same ukelele is on display in the “Viva Terlingua: The Big Bang of Texas Music,” and is an exact replica of the model of the one he played when he was about college age, according to Saldana.
The Wittliff collects and works to preserve the cultural heritage of Texas, the southwest and Mexico through the artwork of storytellers within the area. They are located on the seventh floor and are open seven days a week; the hours vary. They have been preserving and showcasing art for more than 35 years. “Viva Terlingua: The Big Bang of Texas Music” will be on display until May 2025.
“There’s a risk he could fall though the crack of history, so I wanted to do Jerry Jeff in a big way, which I think it deserves.” he says.
Part of Saldana’s tedious and rewarding job is searching through the archives he gains access to.
The Wittliff coordinated displaying photographs, posters, correspondence letters, handwritten lyrics, costumes, instruments and more. Three of the instruments on display are loaned specifically for the exhibit. The piano and the base drummer’s petal used to record the album are on display, being loaned from the musicians themselves.
Bob Livingston loaned his piano so that it may go on display. Saldana also had the pleasure of meeting Livingston and the band he was in- the Los Gonzos Band. Los Gonzos Band recorded “Viva Terlingua” with Walker, Walker wrote the lyrics, played guitar and sang while the band did the rest.
Graci Barrett, Witliff employee, answers phone calls and questions about the gallery. Barrett has worked at The Wittliff for over two years.
“Not a lot of people realize how interconnected Texas country music is with every other genre of music.” said Barrett.
She believes that country music has a unique and inspiring connection to other music genres. The album came out 50 years ago and proves The Wittliff lives up to its mission statement of preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
“We wanted to celebrate the record, but also take it beyond just Jerry Jeff Walker’s archives… I never wanted Jerry Jeff to be a player in his own movie.” said Saldana.
Saldana takes pride in knowing the history behind the southwest and Texas’ diverse music history. Walker made history and secured his spot upon releasing this album just two years after his first hit single that came out 53 years ago.
Career Services Department Helps Students Achieve Success
By Leyla Anderson
Texas State University on the Palestinian Territories
Texas State University on the Palestinian Territories
By Leyla Anderson
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State University student government senator proposed a bill intended to represent all students and faculty. The resolution was voted to be tabled indefinitely.
There has been a recent spike in awareness and attention for Israel and the Palestinian Territories. On Oct. 7, Hamas, a group that the U.S. classifies as a terrorist group, attacked the areas. This resulted in war. On Oct. 16, Texas State University student government senator Carly French wrote a resolution for proposed legislation.
The legislation said, “The student government of Texas State University, on behalf of the student body of Texas State University, would like to address and condemn the terroristic behavior of Hamas and stand in solidarity with Israel.”
The bill was proposed by French and sponsored by four senators. It got voted on at their Oct. 23 student government meeting. According to the minutes from student government’s following meeting, they voted to table the resolution indefinitely with a 10-2 vote voting in favor of tabling indefinitely.
Tom Alter is a history professor at Texas State University who studies, teaches and writes about transnational approaches to race. Alter shed light on why Texas State University Student Government may want to take a stance.
“The young (republicans) who want to be leadership as different political operatives, and this is a chance for them to show their chops within kind of a conservative political circles defense of Israel,” said Alter.
Student government senators can write resolutions, sponsor them and as a whole, they work to pass them. Alter believes the students may be looking to have a large impact in the hopes of gaining the maximum amount of experience possible.
On Oct. 19, a history department-sponsored club held a political education event to education students on the history of the Palestinian Territories. The presentation was led by Luiz Franscisco, who has travelled to Palestine and the West Bank multiple times. Fransisco presented on the history of Palestine beginning in the 20th century.
Joa Brown is a senior political science major at Texas State University studying how one country’s history and choices have international impact.
“…I think that it does because of the way that the conflict that results from the history has been received internationally by support from other countries. For example, the U.S giving financial support to Israel,” Brown said.
Jarrett Talley is a student member of the Young Democratic Socialists of America. YDSA is an activism-based organization on campus. He has studied the history of Gaza and Israel.
“A lot of western students, especially at universities like Texas State, think they might see themselves as defending against antisemitism as the underdog when they don’t realize the disproportionate violence that Israel riots against,” said Talley.
Talley implied that people may not be aware of the level of violence Israel is being accused of partaking in.
Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse released a statement via email on Oct. 16 mentioning the events and resources on campus for those in need. Damphousse expressed concern for his students over taking a stance on the issue.
“I have heard painful stories from colleagues and students who have family and friends directly impacted by the unthinkable violence,” Damphousse said in a statement.
Damphousse encouraged students to utilize Texas State’s counseling center and other mental health support resources on and off campus.
“I understand that no words can truly provide comfort to those who are suffering. I hope all Bobcats can take some solace in knowing the university is here to offer support, resources, and the space to grieve and eventually move toward healing when the time is right.” Damphousse said in a statement.
The Young Conservatives of Texas chapter on campus also held a talk about Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Multiple campus organizations have sponsored events and discussions about what is happening abroad. At least one protest has happened on campus since Oct 7.
