Our next artist is Bob Livingston who played at Fulsher Houston Concerts several years ago. Join us Sept 30th (Champions) and Oct 1st (Fulshear). RSVP for either show at https://bit.ly/RSVPTXHC
In the vibrant tapestry of American music history, the 1970s gave birth to a distinctive era known as the “Cosmic Cowboy” movement, where folk, country, and rock influences melded together to create a truly unique sound. At the heart of this musical evolution stood Bob Livingston, a trailblazing artist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. With a career spanning decades and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Livingston continues to captivate audiences around the world.
The Cosmic Cowboy Movement:
During the 1970s, a wave of musical innovation swept across the American Southwest. The Cosmic Cowboy movement, characterized by its fusion of country, rock, folk, and cosmic themes, emerged as a counter-cultural response to the prevailing norms of the time. This movement not only birthed a new genre but also served as a platform for artists to explore unconventional sounds and push creative boundaries.
Bob Livingston’s Journey:
At the heart of the Cosmic Cowboy movement was the multitalented musician, Bob Livingston. With roots deeply embedded in Texas soil, Livingston’s music resonated with the spirit of the open road and the vast expanse of the American frontier. As a founding member of the iconic Lost Gonzo Band, he played a pivotal role in shaping the movement’s defining sound.
Livingston’s musical journey was one of evolution and exploration. From his early days performing alongside legends like Jerry Jeff Walker and Michael Martin Murphey, to his solo career that saw him embracing a diverse range of genres, Livingston’s music has always defied easy categorization. His ability to seamlessly blend country, folk, and rock elements showcases his mastery of storytelling through song.
Enduring Legacy:
Bob Livingston’s impact on the Cosmic Cowboy movement and the music industry at large is immeasurable. His songwriting, characterized by introspective lyrics and heartfelt melodies, has resonated with fans for generations. His commitment to authenticity and his willingness to experiment with musical styles have solidified his status as a true trailblazer.
Despite the passage of time, Livingston’s music remains as relevant and engaging as ever. His performances continue to draw in audiences, transporting them to a time when the Cosmic Cowboy movement was at its zenith. With each strum of the guitar and each note sung, Livingston’s passion and dedication to his craft shine through, reminding us of the enduring power of music to transcend eras and connect people from all walks of life.
Conclusion:
Bob Livingston’s journey as a musician embodies the spirit of the Cosmic Cowboy era, where musical boundaries were pushed, and creativity knew no bounds. His contributions to the movement and his unwavering dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the world of music. As he continues to share his stories and melodies with audiences far and wide, Bob Livingston remains a true legend, a cosmic cowboy whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
List of Songs:
Solo
Waking Up (Wilderness); 1981
Signs of Life (Wilderness); 1988
Open the Window (Gentle Wind); 1996
Mahatma Gandhi & Sitting Bull (Vireo); 2003
Everything Is All Right (TMI); 2004
Cowboys & Indians (Vireo); 2007
Original Spirit (Vireo); 2008
Gypsy Alibi (New Wilderness Records); 2011
Bob Livingston at the Kerrville Folk Festival (FestivaLink); 2011
Up The Flatland Stairs (Howlin' Dog Records); 2018
With The Lost Gonzo Band
The Lost Gonzo Band (MCA); 1972
Thrills (MCA); 1976
Signs of Life (Capitol); 1978
Rendezvous (Vireo); 1991
Hands of Time (Vireo); 1995
Dead Armadillos (Demon/Edsel); 1998
With Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker (MCA); 1972
Viva Terlingua! (MCA); 1973
Walker's Collectibles (MCA); 1974
Ridin' High (MCA); 1975
It's a Good Night for Singin' (MCA); 1976
A Man Must Carry On (MCA); 1977
Great Gonzos (MCA); 1991
Navaho Rug (Rycodisk); 1991
Hill Country Rain (Rycodisk); 1992
Viva Luckenbach (Rycodisk); 1993
Christmas Gonzo Style (Rycodisk); 1994
Night After Night (Tried 'n True); 1995
Scamp (Tried 'n True); 1996
Cowboy Boots and Bathing Suits (Tried 'n True); 1997
Lone Wolf: The Best of Jerry Jeff Walker (Elektra); 1998
Gypsy Songman (Tried 'n True); 1999
Gonzo Stew (Tried 'n True); 2001
Too Old to Change (Tried ' True) 2003
It's A Good Night For Singin' & Contrary To Ordinary Plus (Raven); 2013
With Michael Martin Murphey
Geronimo's Cadillac (A&M); 1972
Cosmic Cowboy Souvenir (A&M); 1973
With Ray Wylie Hubbard
Something About the Night (Renegade); 1979
Loco Gringo's Lament (Dejadisc); 1994
With Bobby Bridger
Seekers of the Fleece (Golden Egg); 1975
Ballad of the West (Golden Egg); 2001
Complete Works (Golden Egg); 2004
With Steven Fromholz
Steven Fromholz (Capitol); 1977
Frummox II (ABC Probe);1982
With Bill Oliver
Texas Oasis 1980 (Live Oak)
Better Things to Do 1986 (Live Oak)
Audubon Adventures 1987 (Live Oak)
Have to Have a Habitat 1995 (Live Oak)
Friend of the River 2001 (Live Oak)
With Butch Hancock
Yella Rose (with Marce Lacouture)(Rainlight); 1985
Own & Own (Demon); 1989
Own the Way Over Here (Sugar Hill); 1993
With Terry Allen
The Moral Minority (Fate); 1995
With Pat Green
Carry On (Greenhorse); 2000
Three Days (Universal); 2001
With Gary P. Nunn
Under My Hat (1996)
Other artists
Peter Caulton: Hard Road Tough Country (1998)
Cory Morrow: Outside the Lines (2002)
Mark David Manders: Highs and Lows (2002)
Owen Temple: General Store (1997)
Owen Temple: Two Thousand Miles (2007)
Larry Joe Taylor: Heart of the Matter (2000)
Various Artists Kerrville Folk Festival: Early Years 1972–1981
Various Artists: Stranger Than Fiction (1999)
Chris Wall: Cowboy Nation (1999)
Susan Herndon "All Fall Down" (2012)
Sources:
“Bob Livingston Review: Up the Flatland Stairs.” Cowboys & Indians Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.cowboysindians.com/2018/01/bob-livingston-review-up-the-flatland-stairs/
Bob Livingston (musician). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Livingston_(musician)
Writing Assistance from ChatGPT 3.5 with Prompt Engineering by Becky.Thomas@FulshearhouseConcerts.org