Texas Musicians Who Served: A Tribute To Military Veterans

The list of musicians who are former military veterans is quite vast, some of these names include some of the biggest names in Texas music. Some of these names join the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Maynard James Keenan; meaning they have all given us amazing music but they also are proud vets too.

Willie Nelson

A true Texas icon is Abbott's Willie Nelson. Before he became a huge country star, he was a former member of the U.S. Air Force. He enrolled in the Air Force in 1950 but was medically discharged after 9 months due to a bad back. However Willie would continue supporting the United States military for years to come well after his time serving in the Air Force.

George Strait

The Texas king of Country, George Strait, is also a former member of the United States Army; George served from 1971-1975 & would attain the rank of corporal during his timing in the Army. George continues to support the troops, even going so far as donating homes to troops who lived in San Antonio over a decade ago.

Kris Kristofferson

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Kris Kristofferson was born into a military family and he himself would serve in the Army. He would join the Army in 1960 as a helicopter pilot & became part of the 8th Infantry Division in West Germany. He would become a well respected name in the country, loved by many including a fellow former US soldier, Johnny Cash. He also has one of the craziest stories ever told, involving a stolen helicopter and Johnny's house.

Hank Thompson

Waco's Hank Thompson was a former radio technician while in the United States Navy at the age of 17. While in the Navy, Hank would discovered his love for writing music and would perform for his fellow soldiers. He would stay in the Navy for 3 years before pursuing a music career.

Gene Autry

The last one on our list is none other than the Singing Cowboy, Gene Autry from Tioga, Texas. Gene became an active part during World War II as he was inducted into the Army Air Forces in 1942. Gene became a First Officer in 1944 for the 91st Ferrying Squadron of the 555th Army Air Base Unit. He would serve from July 1942 to October 1945.

Gene's induction ceremony was even recorded live on the air during his show and an album was released entitled "The Cowboy Is a Patriot", which contains that very same audio.

We salute all of these musical veterans & every single one who ever served overseas.

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