Kilgore, a city with historical ties to the push and pull of Texas music, has recently been named a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). This honor recognizes Kilgore's dedication to preserving and growing its local music scene. "Congratulations to the City of Kilgore on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation," Governor Greg Abbott said, according to the Governor's Office press release. The TMO's program designates communities that have demonstrated an active investment in local music business development.
According to a statement from Governor Abbott, the music industry in Texas is not only a defining feature but also a deeply rooted tradition, supporting over 196,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $31.7 billion annually. Kilgore now joins the ranks as the 77th certified community in the state, committing to work collaboratively toward a stronger Texas.
Local government officials, including Representative Jay Dean, celebrated the city's rich musical heritage. "This recognition is a testament to Kilgore's rich musical heritage," Dean stated, as mentioned in the same press release. While Mayor Ronnie Spradlin harked back to the city's musical past, citing influences ranging from Rildia Bee Cliburn to Elvis Presley, he also stressed the modern vitality of Kilgore's music scene. Interim City Manager Rachel Rowe echoed these sentiments, pointing out the musical roots that span across various genres and the significance of this new title in strengthening Kilgore's legacy.
With the Music Friendly Texas certification, Kilgore hopes to attract even more artists and business opportunities to the area. Tourism Manager Megan Payne believes the recognition will spotlight Kilgore as a prime destination for music aficionados, touching on an exciting future for visitors and residents alike. The certification ceremony, to be held on March 11, will be open for public attendance at Kilgore's City Council Chambers, as announced by TMO and Kilgore officials.
Since its inception in 1990, and particularly since rolling out the first state music office in the nation, TMO has been pivotal in supporting Texas's music industry. They act as a connector between music businesses and government agencies, while also drawing in essential music industry activities into the state. The TMO's mission remains to leverage Texas's musical culture to not only sustain local jobs but to continue to draw in international visitors and multifaceted talent, fueling both community growth and business expansion throughout the state.
