Welcome to The Dallas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• UT Dallas president steps down after 8 years.

• Early look at 2025 NBA salary-cap.

• A deep dive into the life of Jimmie Vaughan.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

Trivia

Which Dallas sports team is known for winning five Super Bowl championships?

A) Dallas Mavericks

B) Texas Rangers

C) Dallas Stars

D) Dallas Cowboys

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The museum in Dallas dedicated to aviation history at Love Field is A) Frontiers of Flight Museum.

News

💼Business

UT Dallas president stepping down after 8 years. (link)

Mavericks TV deal with Bally Sports dies in bankruptcy reorganization. (link)

🏒Sports

NBA salary-cap outlook: An early glance at the 2025 offseason landscape. (link)

Cowboys make CeeDee Lamb second-highest paid WR with multi-year extension. (link)

🏦Finance

How the Texas Stock Exchange Could Shape Dallas’ Future (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Buns and Basketball
2524 W Ledbetter Dr, Dallas, TX
Saturday, Sep 7th | 6:00 pm | (More info)

⚽ Dallas Trinity FC vs. DC Power FC
3750 The Midway, Dallas, TX
Saturday, Sep 7th | 3:30 am | (More info)

Music

🎺 Common and Pete Rock: The Auditorium Tour
The Echo Lounge & Music Hall, Dallas, TX
Friday, Sep 6th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎤 Twenty One Pilots - The Clancy World Tour
American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
Friday, Sep 6th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🐂 Taste of Bishop Arts Food and Historical Walking tour
4925 Greenville Ave Suite 255, Dallas, TX
Sunday, Sep 8th | 1:00 pm | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Dallas with a central park featuring exotic, genetically engineered plants” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Dallas Historical Events

1930: Dallas during the Great Depression.

In 1930, Dallas, like the rest of the United States, was thrust into the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. The stock market crash of 1929 heralded a decade of hardship, significantly impacting Dallas's burgeoning economy, which until then had been buoyed by the oil boom and a thriving industrial sector. Despite the national economic downturn, Dallas exhibited a unique resilience. The city's diverse economy, which included banking, commerce, and an emerging aviation industry, provided a cushion against the worst effects of the Depression. However, unemployment rates soared, businesses failed, and many residents faced severe financial distress, challenging the city's fortitude and community spirit.

During this period, Dallas saw a range of responses aimed at mitigating the impact of the Great Depression. Civic leaders and philanthropists stepped forward to support relief efforts, while the city benefited from federal New Deal programs, which funded public works projects and provided employment opportunities. Notable among these was the construction of Fair Park's art deco buildings, which were completed as part of the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936, providing both a boost to the local economy and a source of civic pride. These initiatives not only helped alleviate immediate suffering but also laid the groundwork for future development, showcasing the city's ability to harness adversity for growth.

The Great Depression era in Dallas was a time of significant challenge, but it also underscored the city's resilience and adaptability. By leveraging its economic diversity and the ingenuity of its residents, Dallas managed to weather the storm more effectively than many other American cities. The period also fostered a sense of solidarity and innovation that would serve Dallas well in the coming decades. As the city emerged from the Depression, it had laid the foundations for a post-war boom that would transform it into a major metropolis, demonstrating the enduring spirit of a community determined to overcome adversity and build a prosperous future.

Famous People From Dallas

Jimmie Vaughan (1951–present): Blues guitarist and singer.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1951–1968)

Born in Dallas, Texas, Jimmie Vaughan discovered his passion for music at a young age. Growing up in a time of musical revolution, Vaughan was drawn to the blues sounds emanating from his radio, leading him to pick up the guitar. These formative years were crucial, as he taught himself to play, inspired by blues legends, laying the groundwork for a career that would redefine the genre.

The Formation of The Fabulous Thunderbirds (1969–1979)

In the late 1960s, Vaughan co-founded The Fabulous Thunderbirds, a band that would become synonymous with Texas blues. This period was marked by intense creativity and growth for Vaughan, as he honed his distinctive guitar style, blending traditional blues with rock and roll elements. The band's gritty, soulful sound gained them a loyal following in the Austin music scene and beyond.

Rising Fame and Critical Acclaim (1980–1989)

The 1980s saw The Fabulous Thunderbirds break into mainstream success, thanks in part to Vaughan's innovative guitar work. Albums like "Tuff Enuff" and singles such as "Wrap It Up" catapulted the band to international fame, earning critical acclaim and introducing a wider audience to their electrifying blend of blues and rock.

Solo Career and Artistic Evolution (1990–1999)

Vaughan embarked on a solo career in the early 1990s, exploring new musical territories while staying true to his blues roots. His debut solo album, "Strange Pleasure," showcased his skill as both a guitarist and songwriter, featuring deeply personal and reflective material. This period of artistic evolution solidified Vaughan's status as a blues guitar virtuoso.

Collaborations and Tributes (2000–2009)

The new millennium brought opportunities for Vaughan to collaborate with a variety of artists, celebrating the legacy of blues music. Notably, he participated in tribute projects honoring his influences, such as the "SRV" tribute album dedicated to his late brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan. These collaborations highlighted his versatility and deep respect for the blues tradition.

Continuing Influence and Legacy (2010–present)

Vaughan remains an influential figure in the blues genre, continuously exploring its boundaries through his music and live performances. His work not only preserves the essence of the blues but also pushes it forward, inspiring a new generation of musicians. Vaughan's dedication to his craft and his ability to innovate within the blues genre have cemented his legacy as one of its greatest exponents.

Connection to Austin (Throughout Career)

Austin, Texas, has played a pivotal role in Vaughan's life and career. The city's vibrant music scene provided the backdrop for his early success with The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Vaughan's deep connection to Austin is evident in his contributions to its musical landscape, helping to establish it as a world-renowned center for blues and live music.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founder of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, a band that played a crucial role in popularizing Texas blues.

• Launched a successful solo career, exploring and expanding the blues genre through albums like "Strange Pleasure."

• Received numerous accolades for his guitar playing, including Grammy Awards and recognition from music industry bodies.

• Played a key role in preserving and promoting the blues, both through his music and his influence on other artists.

• Maintained a significant connection to Austin, Texas, contributing to its status as a capital of live music and blues.

Summary

Jimmie Vaughan's career is a testament to his profound impact on the blues genre, characterized by his innovative guitar playing and commitment to the music's roots. His journey from a self-taught musician in Dallas to an internationally acclaimed blues artist underscores his dedication and passion for the blues. Vaughan's influence extends beyond his music, as he has played a pivotal role in shaping the musical identity of Austin, Texas, ensuring his legacy as a key figure in the evolution of blues music.

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-Matthew Larsen

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