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Live from Aggieland: Legendary Performances in the Brazos Valley
Believe it or not, Aggieland has witnessed a parade of musical icons over the years, each with an intriguing story attached. Picture a young Elvis Presley entertaining the Corps of Cadets at G. Rollie White Coliseum. Flash forward to the “Committee for Johnny Cash,” originated by students after the country singer’s post-Bonfire concert was canceled by the A&M administration amid controversy; despite official disapproval, the students brought him to perform off-campus.
Revisit the sunbaked Texas World Speedway in the summer of 1974 and Willie Nelson’s rowdy Fourth of July Picnic, complete with sex, drugs, and a grassfire that torched the car of a young Robert Earl Keen (who would later strike up a long-lasting friendship with fellow A&M student Lyle Lovett).
Rewind to Garth Brooks landing at A&M to end an enormous 1998 world tour with three sold-out shows in the newly completed Reed Arena. And many other musical legends have produced memorable moments in the area, including Nat King Cole, R.E.M., and the Ramones.
Live from Aggieland explores these stories, including photography and first-hand accounts of the shows and events. The book demonstrates how popular music has enhanced the cultural perspective of Bryan–College Station and has provided students, graduates, and residents with lasting musical memories.
Revisit the sunbaked Texas World Speedway in the summer of 1974 and Willie Nelson’s rowdy Fourth of July Picnic, complete with sex, drugs, and a grassfire that torched the car of a young Robert Earl Keen (who would later strike up a long-lasting friendship with fellow A&M student Lyle Lovett).
Rewind to Garth Brooks landing at A&M to end an enormous 1998 world tour with three sold-out shows in the newly completed Reed Arena. And many other musical legends have produced memorable moments in the area, including Nat King Cole, R.E.M., and the Ramones.
Live from Aggieland explores these stories, including photography and first-hand accounts of the shows and events. The book demonstrates how popular music has enhanced the cultural perspective of Bryan–College Station and has provided students, graduates, and residents with lasting musical memories.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 24, 2025
As a former student at Texas A&M, I found this book to be a nice piece on the history of concerts at our school and the local music scene of Bryan/College Station. An easy read and informative.
April 20, 2017
Wow this was such a neat book! I'm constantly amazed by the history of Texas A&M and Bryan College Station. What I wouldn't give to have gone to some of these concerts and performances, but I guess I can settle for living vicariously through the story by Clark.
It definitely made me stop and think about the great performances that have been here since I started my freshman year at A&M. There are a few I regret not going to, and a few I'm glad I didn't miss. But none of my experience even come close to matching some of the epic opportunities that came to Aggieland before my time.
It definitely made me stop and think about the great performances that have been here since I started my freshman year at A&M. There are a few I regret not going to, and a few I'm glad I didn't miss. But none of my experience even come close to matching some of the epic opportunities that came to Aggieland before my time.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews