JUST MISSED THE CUT

We could have made this list of the greatest Texas musicians 100, or 200 deep. But what fun is a collection that isn’t exclusive? With that in mind, here’s a quick scan through some names who were debated with passion but missed the list.

T Bone Burnett: Few have had as much influence over folksy country music this century, but he’s a producer more than a musician.

Big Mama Thornton: Her voice was powerful, Elvis raided her style, but her time in Texas was limited.

Kirk Franklin: In terms of gospel and its synergy with hip-hop, few are more important. But at times he feels like a hype man more than a musician. Still, if this list goes to 55, he’s on it. Asleep at the Wheel: This Texas treasure stirred the longest debate about inclusion in the 50. Ultimately, we went with the acts who inspired the Wheel.

Fabulous Thunderbirds: Toa certain generation of Texans the T-Birds’ blend of rock and blues was everything. In the longer timeline of popular music, it’s notable but not quite essential.

Van Cliburn: Few people were a greater conduit for sending classical music to the masses. But, we had to keep this in the pop spectrum.

Roger Miller: “The King of the Road” is an all-time classic. But compared to his peers on this list, Miller fell short.

Albert Collins: Same rationale as Asleep at the Wheel.

Narciso Martinez: How do you exclude “the father of conjunto music?” He feels as Mexican as he does Texan.

Esteban Jordan: How do you exclude the “Jimi Hendrix of the accordion?” It was tough. Very tough.

Charley Pride: This classic country singer who broke color barriers was number 51.