Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Asian restaurant files Chapter 11 to prevent lender control.

• Astros' Jose Altuve ejected after shoe, sock protest.

• A deep dive into the life of Hank Williams.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."

— Anaïs Nin

Trivia

Which Houston bayou underwent a major transformation into a green space with hike and bike trails?

A) Buffalo Bayou

B) Brays Bayou

C) White Oak Bayou

D) Sims Bayou

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston sculpture garden featuring works by various artists is A) Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

TDECU sets sights on becoming top-20 US credit union following merger, rebrand. (link)

🏒Sports

Astros' Jose Altuve ejected from game after removing shoe, sock to protest call. (link)

UH left tackle David Ndukwe more than holding his own as he fills some big shoes. (link)

🏦Finance

Asian restaurant chain files for Ch. 11 bankruptcy protection to prevent lender from seizing control. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Mon • Sep 23 • 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Wed • Sep 25 • 1:10 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 David Michael Wyatt
White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs, Houston, TX
Mon • Sep 23 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 The Buttertones
Warehouse Live Midtown, Houston, TX
Wed • Sep 25 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🖌️ Baby Story Time
Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library, Houston, TX
Wednesday, September 25 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “High-tech Houston with a focus on robotics and automation” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1969: Houston's role in the Apollo 11 moon landing.

In 1969, Houston played a pivotal role in one of humanity’s greatest achievements: the Apollo 11 moon landing. As the home of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (now the Johnson Space Center), Houston was the nerve center for mission control during this historic event. The famous phrase, "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed," spoken by astronaut Neil Armstrong, solidified Houston's place in history as the city that guided the first humans to land on the moon.

Throughout the Apollo 11 mission, Houston's Mission Control Center was responsible for the complex coordination and real-time decision-making that ensured the success of the landing and the safe return of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. The center's engineers, scientists, and flight controllers worked tirelessly to manage every aspect of the mission, from lunar descent to re-entry. Their efforts were critical to overcoming the challenges of space travel and achieving President John F. Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth.

The success of the Apollo 11 mission brought worldwide recognition to Houston and cemented its status as a leader in space exploration. The moon landing became a symbol of American ingenuity and perseverance, with Houston at the heart of this groundbreaking achievement. The legacy of Apollo 11 continues to inspire future generations, and Houston remains a key player in NASA's ongoing missions to explore space, including future endeavors to return to the moon and beyond.

Famous People From Houston

Hank Williams (1923–1953): Influential country music singer-songwriter.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1923–1940)

Hiram "Hank" Williams was born on September 17, 1923, in Mount Olive, Alabama. Raised in a poor family, Williams faced numerous hardships, including a difficult relationship with his father and health issues that plagued him throughout his life. Despite these challenges, Williams discovered his passion for music at an early age, learning to play the guitar under the tutelage of a local African American blues musician named Rufus "Tee Tot" Payne. Payne's influence on Williams was profound, blending elements of blues and country that would later define his sound. By his teenage years, Williams was performing on local radio stations and at small venues, beginning his journey toward becoming one of the most influential figures in country music.

Rise to Fame and Early Success (1941–1948)

In the early 1940s, Hank Williams moved to Montgomery, Alabama, where he formed the Drifting Cowboys, his backing band. His distinctive voice and poignant songwriting quickly gained attention, and by 1946, he had signed a contract with Sterling Records. His first hit, "Move It on Over," released in 1947, showcased Williams' ability to write catchy, emotionally resonant songs that resonated with a wide audience. This success led to a contract with MGM Records, where Williams continued to build his reputation with hits like "Lovesick Blues," which became a crossover sensation, propelling him to national stardom. Williams' blend of honky-tonk, blues, and gospel elements set a new standard for country music.

Connection to Nashville and Grand Ole Opry (1949–1951)

Nashville, Tennessee, played a central role in Hank Williams' career. In 1949, he joined the Grand Ole Opry, the premier stage for country music, where his performances quickly became legendary. His raw emotion and powerful voice captivated audiences, making him one of the Opry's most popular stars. Williams' connection to Nashville extended beyond the Opry, as the city became the hub for his recording sessions and business dealings. His influence on the Nashville music scene was profound, helping to shape the city's identity as the heart of country music. Despite his success, Williams struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism and health problems, which began to take a toll on his career.

Iconic Hits and Songwriting Genius (1952–1953)

Hank Williams' songwriting skills were unparalleled, and he penned some of the most enduring songs in country music history. Hits like "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Cold, Cold Heart," and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" have become timeless classics, covered by artists across genres. Williams' ability to convey deep emotion and universal themes of love, heartache, and longing made his music resonate with listeners far beyond the confines of country music. His songs often reflected his own troubled life, giving them an authenticity that continues to move audiences. Despite his brief career, Williams' output during these years solidified his legacy as one of the greatest songwriters in American music.

Struggles and Tragic End (1952–1953)

By the early 1950s, Hank Williams' personal life was in turmoil. His battles with addiction, coupled with chronic back pain caused by spina bifida, led to erratic behavior and missed performances. In 1952, he was dismissed from the Grand Ole Opry due to his unreliability, a significant blow to his career. Despite these challenges, Williams continued to record music, producing some of his most poignant and enduring work during this period. Tragically, his life was cut short on January 1, 1953, when he died in the back seat of his car en route to a concert in West Virginia. He was only 29 years old, but his impact on music was already immeasurable.

Legacy and Influence (1953–Present)

Hank Williams' influence on country music and popular music as a whole cannot be overstated. His distinctive voice, emotive songwriting, and pioneering blend of musical styles have left an indelible mark on the industry. Williams is often credited with helping to define modern country music, and his songs continue to be covered by artists across genres. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, and his legacy lives on through countless tributes, covers, and the continued popularity of his music. Williams' tragic life story and enduring songs have made him a cultural icon, representing the struggles and triumphs of the human experience.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized country music with his blend of honky-tonk, blues, and gospel, creating a new sound that influenced generations of musicians.

• Penned some of the most enduring songs in American music, including "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

• Became a legendary figure in country music, whose influence extends far beyond the genre, impacting popular music as a whole.

Summary:

Hank Williams' journey from a poor Alabama boy to one of the most influential figures in country music is a testament to his extraordinary talent and resilience. His connection to Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry was central to his career, solidifying his status as a country music legend. Despite his tragically short life, Williams' legacy as a pioneering singer-songwriter continues to inspire and influence, ensuring his place as one of the most important figures in American music history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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