News Summary
San Marcos is celebrating the launch of a new book about the archives of The Rubaiyat Folk Club, a cornerstone of Texas music history. The event featured insights from music curator Hector Saldaña, highlighting the club’s impact on artists like Jerry Jeff Walker. The archives, now donated by Ronald Shipman’s niece, will preserve the legacy of The Rubaiyat and its contributions to the folk music scene. The project will include plans to digitize recordings, ensuring this vibrant community’s musical roots are remembered.
Exploring the Roots of Texas Music in San Marcos
San Marcos is buzzing with excitement as Texas State University’s The Wittliff Collections recently launched a book that takes a deep dive into a treasure trove of history — the archives of The Rubaiyat Folk Club. This beloved establishment has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Texas music, and learning about its rich past has everyone talking.
A Treasure Unearthed
The highlight of the evening was none other than Hector Saldaña, the music curator for The Wittliff, who emphasized just how essential The Rubaiyat was to the origins of Texas music. This wasn’t just a coffee shop; it was a vibrant hub for legendary songwriters. Notably, the venue has significant ties to iconic artists of the 1970s, like Jerry Jeff Walker, who left an indelible mark on the state’s music scene.
The Personal Touch of Ronald Shipman
Among the impressive finds in the archives is a handwritten diary from Ronald Shipman, the founder of The Rubaiyat. Shipman’s diary not only chronicles his journey as a musician but also provides a heartfelt reflection on the transformative power of folk music. Born in 1935 in Climax, Texas, Shipman’s love for music ignited during his time in the Navy after witnessing a performance by renowned folk musician Stan Wilson.
A New Musical Era Begins
After his military service, Shipman hit the local Dallas scene, performing at various venues and embodying a sailor persona that captivated audiences. In 1959, he took a brave step forward and opened The Rubaiyat at 3133 McKinney Ave. This spot wasn’t just Texas’ first coffee shop and folk club; it became a beacon for those craving non-bar entertainment in the post-World War II era.
With a cozy capacity of merely 30 guests, it quickly turned into a hotspot for those eager to sip coffee and listen to live music. The ambiance echoed with European charm, featuring black-painted walls adorned with quotes from the classic The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. During its grand opening weekend, the venue drew over 900 patrons, igniting a wave of coffeehouse-style venues that emerged throughout Dallas.
A Legacy of Great Performers
Shipman saw the potential in coffee culture in Dallas. He believed the community was ready for a taste of real coffee, and The Rubaiyat delivered just that. The club attracted many notable performers, including John Denver, Johnny Cash, and future stars like Townes Van Zandt and Michael Martin Murphey. The arrival of Jerry Jeff Walker in 1964 marked a pivotal moment, solidifying The Rubaiyat’s status as an influential player in the Texas music scene.
The Open Stage and Closing Chapter
Always a welcoming venue, The Rubaiyat embraced musicians of all backgrounds, offering an open stage that encouraged aspiring artists to share their talents. However, in 1969, Shipman decided to sell The Rubaiyat to focus on his own songwriting. Over time, the club’s dynamics changed and it ultimately closed its doors in 1974.
After Shipman’s passing in 2024, his niece, Loren Shipman, made the commendable decision to donate the extensive archives to The Wittliff. She hopes that this move will shine a light on The Rubaiyat’s immense contributions to the Texas music scene, and that the rich legacy of songs like “Mr. Bojangles” will not fade into obscurity.
Looking Forward
The archives will soon include plans for digitizing valued reel-to-reel tapes recorded at The Rubaiyat, ensuring that it remains forever preserved in history. As this exciting project advances, it promises to rekindle the magic of Texas folk music’s origins and remind everyone of the vibrant community spirit that The Rubaiyat represented.
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Additional Resources
- D Magazine: Rubaiyat Club Coffee House
- Legacy: Ronald Shipman Obituary
- Dallas News: Lu Mitchell Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Douglas Taylor Obituary
- Dallas Morning News: Lu Mitchell
- Wikipedia: Folk Music
- Google Search: Texas music history
- Google Scholar: Rubaiyat Folk Club
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Folk Music
- Google News: Texas folk music
