Today the Austin Music Memorial accepts six new members into its ranks.
The Austin Music Memorial posthumously recognizes Austinites who have contributed to the city's musical and cultural community. After accepting nominations throughout the summer, the City of Austin Music Division has decided on its new inductees.
The Music Division describes what’s remarkable about each of the six new inductees below:
Donald Ray Walser (1934-2006)
Vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Don Walser performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1999 and 2001, received a lifetime "Heritage" award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2000, and played with his “Pure Texas Band” at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Heserved for 39 years as a member of the Texas National Guard, retiring in 1994. Walser was affectionately known as “The Pavarotti of the Plains” for his unique voice and memorable yodeling ability.