Kenneth Threadgill turned an abandoned Gulf filling station into a legendary incubator for Austin music in 1933. Threadgill’s hosted after hours drinking, gambling and jamming musicians that often were paid in beer. Kenneth loved all people and made everyone from rednecks to hippies feel right at home.
The cultural revolution of the 60’s left it’s mark on Threadgill’s.
Regulars at hootenannies on Wednesday nights were Janis Joplin, Eddie Wilson and Willie Nelson. Their blend of country, rock, and blues birthed the “Cosmic Cowboy” style.
Obtaining Travis County’s first beer license kept the customers coming.
Kenneth closed Threadgill’s in 1974 to chase a music career. Eddie Wilson closed his Armadillo World Headquarters on New Year’s Eve 1980 and reopened Threadgill’s as a restaurant. We stopped by during Sunday morning’s Bluegrass Brunch and learned a thing or two about the roots of the Austin sound and where to get some seriously southern home cooking.