Remembering Jim Stringer: A Tribute to Austin's Country Music Legend
Jim Stringer, a prominent figure in Austin's country music scene for over 30 years, was known for his band "The AM Band," which stood for "Austin Music." He collaborated with various musicians, including Roger Wallace and T Jarrod Bonta, creating a welcoming and familial atmosphere at his shows. Stringer's musical journey began in Kansas City, where he formed his first band at the age of 12 and later ventured into composing film scores before moving to Austin.
Stringer's diverse musical career included playing in bands like The Upside Dawne and TIDE, as well as composing film scores and creating the hit song "Shake Hands with Danger" for a Caterpillar safety video. In 1985, he formed The Novellas in Santa Fe before relocating to Austin, where he recorded the acclaimed album "Travis County Pickin'" and established The AM Band. Stringer's guitar skills and songwriting abilities were highly regarded in the Austin music community.
Despite a cancer diagnosis, Stringer continued to perform, collaborating with artists like Rosie Flores in the Blue Moon Jazz Quartet. His passing in December 2019 left a void in the music industry, with friends and colleagues mourning his loss. Stringer's legacy lives on through his contributions to the music scene and his impact on those who knew him.