Broken Spoke
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1964, Austin native James M. White (1939-2021) opened a new dance hall and restaurant south of the city limits at a former lumberyard on South Lamar. It was designed in the style of a traditional honky tonk, and patrons danced to jukebox records and live bands on weekends. The Broken Spoke was so popular that White enlarged the facility with a dance hall and stage. White hired local bands from all over the Austin area, and soon country music legends like Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Tex Ritter and Kitty Wells played here. Performances by continuing generations of musicians and appearances in movies, songs, music videos and travel articles helped to make the Broken Spoke a cultural treasure. (2021)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1964, Austin native James M. White opened the Broken Spoke in a former lumberyard on South Lamar, building it in the style of a classic honky tonk where patrons danced to jukebox records and weekend bands. As it grew popular White added a dance hall and stage, drawing country legends like Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb, Tex Ritter, and Kitty Wells. Featured in movies, songs, and music videos, and playing host to generation after generation of musicians, the Broken Spoke became a cultural landmark of Texas music.
Why it matters
The Broken Spoke is one of the last of the great Texas dance halls, a living monument to the honky-tonk tradition at the heart of American country music.
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Related people
- · James M. White
Themes & tags
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