Midland, TX
Music connected to Midland
Ready to explore the heart of West Texas? Midland, a city pulsating with the rhythm of the Permian Basin, has inspired a surprising number of artists. The obvious starting point is the band Midland, whose song "Baby It's You" captures the city's hopeful spirit. But dig deeper and you'll find Flatland Cavalry's "Tall City Blues" and Kat Hasty's "Midland," each offering a unique sonic snapshot. Shane Smith & The Saints' "Oil Town" hints at the energy sector that shapes life here.
Beyond the music, Midland is a place where West Texas charm meets modern ambition. Founded in 1881 as a midway point between Fort Worth and El Paso, it boomed with the discovery of oil, a history you can explore at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. With dry air and expansive sunsets under the Llano Estacado, the landscape itself seems to inspire creativity. So, crank up some Midland-inspired tunes and get ready to discover a city that's more than just an oil town.
About Midland
- • President George W. Bush lived in Midland during his early adult years.
- • The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum showcases the region's oil history and geology.
- • The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin drove Midland's rapid growth.
- • Midland is home to the second largest urban freshwater park in Texas.
- • The oil boom of the 1950s dramatically reshaped Midland's economy and demographics.
- • Founded in 1881, it was named for its midway point between Fort Worth and El Paso.
- • With over 160,000 residents, it is a key city in West Texas.
- • At 2,756 feet, the air is dry and the sunsets are expansive.
- • The energy sector, especially oil and gas, dominates the local economy.
- • A blend of West Texas charm and modern ambition creates a hopeful atmosphere.
- • The Permian Basin, known for its sedimentary rocks, underlies Midland.
- • The Ogallala Aquifer provides a significant source of groundwater for the region.
- • Pronghorn antelope are commonly found in the surrounding grasslands.
- • Mesquite trees dominate the landscape around Midland.
- • Evidence suggests Paleo-Indian presence in the Permian Basin dating back thousands of years.
- • George H.W. Bush moved to Midland in 1948 to work in the oil industry.
- • The Petroleum Museum, showcasing oil industry history, was established in 1975.
- • Interstate 20 connects Midland with major cities to the east and west.
