Texas Time Travel

Gary P. Nunn

Gary P. Nunn is a Texas country singer songwriter and one of the founding figures of the progressive country movement that emerged from Austin in the 1970s.

With a career spanning more than five decades, Nunn has become a defining voice of Texas music, known for celebrating the culture, landscapes, and identity of the Lone Star State.

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Credit: The Portal to Texas History

Why They Matter

Nunn helped shape the progressive country or “cosmic cowboy” movement alongside artists like Willie Nelson and Jerry Jeff Walker, blending traditional country with rock and folk influences. His work helped redefine Texas music and expand its reach beyond the state while maintaining a strong regional identity.

Signature Sound & Style

Nunn’s music is rooted in Texas country but incorporates elements of rock, folk, and dance hall traditions. His style is known for its laid back storytelling, strong sense of place, and songs that celebrate Texas culture, often described as capturing the spirit of the “cosmic cowboy” sound.

Must-Know Songs

  1. "London Homesick Blues"- Nunn’s signature song and a Texas anthem, famously used as the theme for the television program Austin City Limits for nearly three decades.
  2. "What I Like About Texas"- A widely recognized song that celebrates Texas culture, places, and identity, becoming a favorite among fans of Texas country music.
  3. "Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning"- A song written by Nunn that gained national attention through recordings by artists such as Willie Nelson and later Chris Stapleton.


[LISTEN TO NUNN'S' HITS ON THE PLAINS TRAIL REGIONAL PLAYLIST]

Did You Know?

Nunn’s song “London Homesick Blues” became the theme song for Austin City Limits and introduced generations of viewers to Texas music, helping define the sound of the state on a national stage.

Gary P. Nunn Bio in Detail

Read a more in depth biography on Gary P. Nunn.

Texas Heritage Songwriters Association