Finlay, Kent
Kent Finlay
Biography
Kent Finlay (1938–2015) was the well-known songwriter and owner of San Marcos' famed Cheatham Street Warehouse. Finlay opened Cheatham Street in October 1974. Cheatham Street became home to a number of iconic and burgeoning Texas musicians, including George Strait and Stevie Ray Vaughan. A beloved music mentor, Finlay hosted songwriter nights every Wednesday, helping to launch the careers of Todd Snider, James McMurtry, and Randy Rogers.
Part of the Texas 150 Oral History Project
Kent Finlay talks about the history of the Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, its creation and how it stays current, the kind of music played there, and what makes it special. He discusses the state of music in Texas and specifically mentions famous musicians such as Willie Nelson, Macia Ball, Asleep at the Wheel, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jerry Jeff Walker, George Strait, and more.
Audio File Access
Full audio is available for this interview. Reading Room access only.