Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

We open this episode by revisiting the tragic story that closed Part 7, exploring how that event reshaped Bevis’ world. From there, we continue the conversation around working with Jack Douglas, what the partnership meant to Bevis on a personal level, and his experiences recording at the legendary Record Plant.

Once again, Bevis’ grit and resilience are put to the test as another distressing chapter unfolds. This time, stemming from a behind the scenes battle unbeknownst to Bevis, that would eventually lead to him leaving New York City.

This episode is filled with hard-earned lessons and offers the first real glimpse into how mental health becomes a central thread to Bevis’ story.

Sampled Song: "In My Dreams (I Fly)" - Banzai Kik

Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into the early days of Bevis' next band, Banzai Kik, and continue our conversation about the Black Rock Coalition and his pivotal role in the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra. He shares stories from playing the Stalking Heads of ’87 Festival at the legendary CBGB and reflects on how quickly momentum began to build from then on.

We discuss the introduction of producer Jack Douglas, known for his work with John Lennon, Aerosmith, and others, and how success no longer felt distant - it was tangible. Years of hard work and belief were finally paying off. But just as everything was coming together, a sudden and tragic loss of a family member forced Bevis to face a fork in the road.

Sampled Song: "Until the Sky Turns Light" - Banzai Kik

Bevis. M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss his next band, The Bats, hitting a "glass ceiling" in Austin, Lou Ann Barton introducing him to Steven Van Zandt, and how that introduction, a house fire, and divine intervention came together to take Bevis to New York City.

We continue the conversation with his first couple months in New York: plans falling through, taking an internship at Media Sound studios, meeting and working with Greg Tate (writer, The Village Voice) and Vernon Reid (guitarist, Living Colour), and finding his "lost tribe" through the Black Rock Coalition.

Sampled Song: "Balloonhead" by Bevis Griffin & C.K. Bailey - The Paradigm

Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into his approach to songwriting and the artists who shaped his sound - from Humble Pie and Jimi Hendrix, to the Sex Pistols. Bevis shares a deep history lesson on the controversy surrounding the Sex Pistols and unpacks the cultural shift from punk rock into experimental rock.

We discuss the influence of guitarist Chris "C.K." Bailey on The Skyscrapers, then turn the conversation to the burgeoning blues scene in Austin at the time; including his relationship with the Vaughan brothers, and the venues that helped define Austin’s blues identity - from the Rome Inn to Antone's.

Sampled Song: "Slinky" by Bevis Griffin & C.K. Bailey - The Paradigm

Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we get into his next bands, The Skyscrapers and The Shades, opening for The Ramones and The Clash, meeting his longtime friend and guitarist Chris "C.K." Bailey, finding his groove as a front man, the formation of the punk rock scene in Austin, and the role that venues like Raul's and the Continental Club played.

We continue with a conversation around Bevis' favorite part about Austin music back then, the company he kept, and the formation of the Austin Chronicle.

Sampled Songs: "Intravenous" by Bevis Griffin & C.K. Bailey - The Paradigm and "Laurie Two Tone" by The Shades

Bevis M. Griffin, the "Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes in Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss his move to Austin and joining Franklin's Mast, a band that emerged from the chaos of life in a makeshift warehouse, and a pivotal moment that came when Franklin's Mast entered a local battle of the bands at the South Door, a nightclub that attracted the crème de la crème of Austin’s musicians.

We also discuss playing the fraternity party circuit at universities around Texas, the difficulty of navigating cultural and racial differences on the road, the lacking music infrastructure in Austin, and end with a conversation about how Austin musicians supported each other in those formative years.

Sampled Songs: "Cloudland" by One Fell Swoop

Bevis. M. Griffin, "the Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes of Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In this episode, we discuss his relocation from Los Angeles to Wichita Falls, navigating the segregated south for the first time, becoming part of the Krackerjack's (Tommy Shannon/Uncle John Turner) inner circle, and his first trip to Austin while tagging along with Gary P. Nunn.

We continue with a discussion around local venues like the Vulcan Gas Company and Armadillo World Headquarters and how the eclectic mix of artists at these venues that would later shape Bevis' life and sound.

Bevis. M. Griffin, "the Black Rock Maverick of Texas," is regarded as a pioneer of black rock music for his contributions to the scenes of Austin, New York City, and beyond.

In celebration of Black History Month, and the achievement's of Bevis, I am proud to offer this multi-part series documenting his life and work.

Over the next few episodes, you will get to know an important figure in the Austin music scene, enroll in a music history class spanning numerous decades, genres, and artists, hear some first hand accounts from the Austin and New York City music scenes, and most importantly, hear a story of how curiosity, tragedy, passion, and purpose can come together to form one beautiful life.

In this episode, we discuss Bevis' childhood in South Central Los Angeles, experiencing the Watts Riots, how music was used as a common ground to bridge differences, and his journey to Texas.