He was an American music original, a Texas music legend, a beloved member of the Tex-Mex/Tejano music community, and a psychedelic rocker before he was anything else. He was Augie Meyers.
Over the years, the Sir Douglas Quintet and Doug Sahm’s solo efforts became famous for mixing in more country, Tex-Mex, and other influences into American rock ‘n roll. This whole time, the Sir Douglas and Doug Sahm sound had one constant—the keyboard and accordion of Augie Meyers. 1989 is when the idea of a Texas music supergroup was hatched, taking this unique sound inspired by Texas, and turning it into something that could take it international. The Texas Tornados were born. Along with helping to popularize Tejano, conjunto, and Norteño sounds in North America, the group won a Grammy Award for their song “Soy De San Luis,” and picked up two more nominations over their tenure, releasing six albums before Doug Sahm passed away in 1999. Arguably the band’s biggest song and an unofficial anthem of Texas is “(Hey Baby) Que Paso.” But it wasn’t Doug Sahm or Freddy Fender who sang lead on it. It was Augie.
When Flaco Jiménez died on July of 2025, and later Speedy Sparks in October of 2025, this left Augie as a the last surviving original Tornados member. The band would still perform with Augie, and Doug’s son Shawn Sahm filling in for his father. Also with his work with the Sir Douglas Quintet and The Texas Tornados, Augie Meyers was active in music in other capacities. Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Raul Malo of The Mavericks, Tom Jones, and John P. Hammond are just some of the performers who solicited the services of Augie over the years, looking to capture that hot Texas Vox organ sound on their recordings. Augie Meyers also operated his own record labels over the years, including Superbeet Records, White Boy Records, and El Sendero. Through these labels and others, Augie released over a dozen solo albums where he would alternate between piano, organ, and guitar. This included his dedicated country album from 2009, appropriately titled Country, and 2024’s Chicken Fried Bacon Grease, which once again found Augie keeping the unique sound and rhythms of the Tex-Mex spirit alive. The music of Augie Meyers delivered joy to many, instilled distinct culture into American music, and popularized the Tex-Mex sound to the world. Augie Meyers passed away in his sleep. – – – – – – – –
I lived in Austin in 1974 and used to see Augie Meyers and The Western Head Band at the Soap Creek Saloon. Man, I just now got a little bit older. Adios Augie!
Another great musician gone. He can be heard on I Still Love San Antone, the new album from Garrett T. Capps that’s out tomorrow, March 10.
I’ve ended up with a few of Augie’s songs, “Santa Fe”, “Something’s Wrong”, “God Gave You to Me”. They definitely have a unique sound. I never knew his backstory. Sad to hear of his passing.
I just love watching YouTube videos of the Tornados.
What high energy.
Augie and the rest of the guys are sorely missed.
Augie got the first Vox organ in America, shipped to him from England in 1962. He opened a show for the Dave Clark Five and when their organ malfunctioned, Augie loaned them his Vox so they could perform.
Source: savingcountrymusic.com