Was it really just a grocery store? John T. Floore Country Store is so much more. It is a legendary music venue. This plaque commemorates its rich history.
John T. Floore Country Store opened in 1942. John T. Floore was the former manager of San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre. Initially, it was a grocery store. It served travelers between San Antonio and Bandera. But Floore saw potential. He envisioned a music venue.
Two dance halls were thriving nearby. Floore thought another venue would benefit travelers. He used his theater experience to book country artists. By the 1950s, John T. Floore Country Store was a music hotspot. Stars like Ray Price and Johnny Cash played here.
John T. Floore Country Store is Willie Nelson’s musical birthplace. Nelson had trouble in Nashville. They didn’t appreciate his style. Floore partnered with Nelson’s music company. Nelson agreed to perform at Floore’s monthly. The John T. Floore Country Store became closely tied to Willie Nelson. He even mentions Floore in his song Shotgun Willie.
Many live albums were recorded here. Robert Earl Keen and Randy Rogers Band recorded albums here. Jon Wolfe and The Last Bandoleros also recorded live albums at John T. Floore Country Store.
John T. Floore Country Store has appeared in movies. Parts of the film 8 Seconds were filmed here. A Johnny Cash movie called Thaddeus Rose and Eddie also filmed scenes here. A Leon Russell documentary features Willie Nelson playing live at John T. Floore Country Store.
John T. Floore helped Helotes. He created the Floore Subdivision. It was meant to be a community center. He helped start the volunteer fire department and Lions Club. Floore even edited the Helotes Echo newspaper. His articles helped create the local school district.
After Floore’s death in 1975, his legacy continued. Helotes incorporated in 1981. They wanted to keep their identity separate from San Antonio. John T. Floore Country Store keeps Helotes connected to its past.
Many famous musicians have graced this stage. Patsy Cline and Hank Williams played here. George Jones and Little Richard also performed here. Bob Wills and Buck Owens entertained crowds here. B.B. King and Merle Haggard played at John T. Floore Country Store.
Texas, Red Dirt, and Americana stars frequent Floore’s. Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett have played here. Lucinda Williams and Kevin Fowler have performed here too. Pat Green and Reckless Kelly have rocked this stage. James McMurtry and Randy Rogers have played here as well.
John T. Floore Country Store is more than a venue. It’s a piece of Texas history. It’s a place where music legends were born. It’s a community hub. This plaque reminds us of its enduring legacy.