Super Blues singer Angela Strehli, originally from Lubbock, Texas, seldom records, but tours annually in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Add to that she is a Blues historian and impresario who has created an impressive legacy in the vibrant music scene of Austin, Texas, and the whole Blues world.
When Angela was a child, the early 60s radio of West Texas included Country, Rock and Blues. Strehli enjoyed all styles on the radio, but was especially drawn to the Blues. She became part of the hippie folksinger crowd that included Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Before concentrating on vocals she learned to play harmonica and bass.
Angela's passion for the Blues was fanned during a trip to Chicago when she heard performances by Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Howlin' Wolf. Back in Texas she had a lot to do with the creation of the Austin music scene along with the Vaughan brothers, Kim Wilson and Blues club owner Clifford Antone. You could say that while others try to "Keep Austin Weird" they made Austin weird… delightfully.
Strehli formed a band called the Fabulous Rockets, had a group with Jimmy Vaughan called Cowdrey and also sang with James Polk and others. She spent time stage managing and doing sound at Antone's club plus she released the EP Stranger Blues, the first effort by Antone's own record label.
Since graduating from the local club scene Angela has toured with Pinetop Perkins, Elvin Bishop and others. Her discography is quite limited but includes albums with other top artists and a nice tribute album to Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Even if Strehli hadn't been a great performer, the Blues world would owe her a great debt because she introduced Stevie Ray Vaughan when she was a promoter working with Antone's.
Despite being a Texan and founding member of the Austin scene, Angela Austin is now based in San Francisco. She continues to tour and we can only hope she will record again soon.
