BMI Remembers Augie Meyers

BMI was saddened to learn of the recent passing of longtime affiliate and legendary songwriter/musician Augie Meyers. He was 85.

Meyers began as a keyboardist, mastering piano, Vox organ, and accordion. In the 1950s he played with bands throughout the San Antonio area, before finding a lasting partnership with Doug Sahm. The pair co-founded the Sir Douglas Quintet, a group that mixed psychedelic rock, blues, jazz, and country, with the sounds of the Texas and Mexican border, influencing artists across the roots-music spectrum. The groups discography includes 1965's "She's About a Mover," 1968's "Mendocino," and 1969's "And It Didn't Even Bring Me Down."

Following the group's dissolution in 1973, Meyers and Sahm continued to work together in the GRAMMY-winning Tex-Mex outfit, the Texas Tornados, with Flaco Jiménez and Freddy Fender. The group released a string of albums and singles, including "(Hey Baby) Que Pasó," "Soy De San Luis" and "Little Bit Is Better Than Nada." Their unique blend of Tex-Mex, Conjunto, and soulful rock, coupled with Myers signature Vox organ sound, helped shape rock & roll and influenced generations of artists, like The Doors and The Beatles.

As a solo artist, Meyers played on albums by Willie Nelson, Tom Waits, and Raul Malo. Meyers also performed with John Hammond's road band, contributing to Hammond's Wicked Grin album, and joined Bob Dylan on his albums Time Out of Mind (1997) and Love and Theft (2001).

Augie Meyers' legacy will live on in the vibrant sounds he helped create. He will be deeply missed by his friends, fans and family at BMI.