“A story in song,” John Lomax Jr. once mused, “written no one knows when, no one knows where, no one knows by whom or even why.” Those words perfectly encapsulate the magic of folk music, a magic that Lomax himself helped to keep alive. Right here, in the heart of Houston, Lomax wasn’t just developing land, he was cultivating a community. He co-founded the Houston Folklore & Music Society in 1951, a haven for both seasoned musicians and those just finding their voice. The Society quickly became a melting pot of talent, attracting legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Townes Van Zandt. Lomax, with his booming baritone and his signature axe-on-stump percussion, became a beloved figure within this vibrant scene. Beyond performances, Lomax facilitated connections. He introduced filmmaker Les Blank to musicians like Lightnin’ Hopkins, leading to documentaries that would capture these artists’ raw talent for the world to see. He even managed Lightnin’ Hopkins for a time, guiding his career and ensuring his music reached a wider audience. Lomax’s legacy isn’t just etched in the subdivisions he built, but also in the echoes of folk songs ringing through the generations. He understood that folk music wasn’t just about the past, it was a living, breathing entity, passed down from one voice to the next. And here, in the spirit of community and creativity, his legacy continues to thrive.
Greenwood Church
How about a story of faith spanning generations? This is the story of Greenwood Church. Greenwood Church has a rich