History

Joe Ely was a Texas music legend who drove humbly at the leading edge of an evolutionary wave in alternative country music, and many talented West Texas musicians came with him. Butch Hancock and Terry Allen spoke with KTTZ about the life and career of their close friend, the role that West Texas played in their music, and the role Joe Ely played in their lives.

Sunday is Texas Tech’s annual Carol of Lights at the Science Quadrangle, the university's way to kick off the holiday season. But almost 60 years ago, the occasion was a somber affair following the murder of Sarah Alice Morgan on Dec. 4, 1967.

This Sunday is Texas Tech’s annual Carol of Lights at the Science Quadrangle, the university's way to kick off the holiday season. But almost 60 years ago, the occasion was a much more somber affair following the murder of Sarah Alice Morgan on Dec. 4, 1967. Our reporter Mia Shephard has more on that night and its lasting legacy.

The word "ideology" has become a fixture in American political rhetoric, invoked by leaders to cast opponents' beliefs as dangerous, stupid or unfounded. But it wasn't always this way.

During Native American Heritage Month, traces of Indigenous history across the South Plains continue to shape life in West Texas. For groups like Native American People of the Plains and Beyond, visibility and education remain central to preserving culture and correcting long-held misconceptions.

With a team of six, the City of Lubbock Cemetery maintains approximately 65,000 graves and is digging new ones every week. Arranging burials, finding plots, and dealing with the unexpected, the cemetery staff are caring for the families and the places they lay their loved ones to rest.

Today is Indigenous Peoples Day, recognized by the state of Texas in 2021. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren spoke to a West Texas Native American who has fought to celebrate that heritage in Lubbock. Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to toughen enforcement against vape and smoke shops that sell hemp products to minors.

Sonny Curtis, former member of The Crickets and writer of hits like “I Fought the Law” and “Love Is All Around," died on Sept. 19. Born in Meadow, Texas and cutting his teeth playing stages around Lubbock before making it big, Sonny Curtis is remembered as a mentor, role model, and friend by many in the community.

The event traces its roots to the early 1990s.

Meadow-born singer-songwriter, hall of famer, and former member of the Crickets, Sonny Curtis died after a sudden illness last weekend at 88 years old. Some of his most recognizable songs include I Fought the Law, More Than I Can Say, and the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show: Love is All Around. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on Curtis’ life and legacy.