On any given Saturday night in Southeast Texas, you can still stumble upon a Cajun dance, and chances are a band will strike up “Jolie Blonde.” Often called the Cajun national anthem, Harry Choates’ 1946 recording helped push Cajun music into the American popular music spotlight. The Choates’ family like many others were part of a large migration of Cajuns from Louisiana seeking work during the oil boom in the Beaumont–Port Arthur–Orange region—better known as the Golden Triangle.

In the 1940s independent record labels began to pop up throughout Texas. One of these small labels was Martin Records, established in 1947. Martin holds the distinction of being the first independent label to document Polka music in Texas.

The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures is proud to collaborate with Jason Longoria, a San Antonio native and Texas music history expert. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of genres ranging from western swing to blues to the Westside sound, Longoria will explore and document the vibrant San Antonio music scene, uncovering untold stories, rare insights, and historical perspectives. His contributions will be featured in a monthly music series on the ITC’s social media channels.