Faculty Profile for Gary Hickinbotham
Biography Section
Biography and Education
Gary got his first high-quality stereo tape recorder at the age of 14, inspired after a visit to the Columbia Records recording studio located in Washington, DC.Once in Texas, he became involved in the local recording scene. Because of his combination of recording, construction and musical background he was asked to participate in the construction of the Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, just south of Austin. He was asked to stay on by chief engineer Richard Mullen after the studio was completed and so became the second engineer, working with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Johnson. When Richard left after a year Gary was promoted to chief engineer.
He was able to record many artists of national stature and worked with many producers and engineers from major labels. One of the recordings he made, the Texas Tornados, won a Grammy. Two other albums, one by Doug Sahm and one by Tish Hinojosa (which Gary co-produced), each won Indies and much critical acclaim. His discography includes Townes van Zandt, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Hiatt, J.D. Souther, Gary P. Nunn, Jerry Jeff Walker and many others.
He authored the article on the history of the recording industry in Texas for the Handbook of Texas Music published by the Texas State Historical Association in conjuction with the Center for Texas Music History. He has also written articles for The Journal of Texas Music History.
He served two terms as an elected Governor of the Texas Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and is currently a Voting Member (for Grammy Awards). He is also a Full Member of the Audio Engineering Society.
He served two terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the South Texas Historical Association (Texas A&M Kingsville) and is currently an active member.
Selected Scholarly/Creative Work
- Louis Siedlecki, Little Green Men – album, recording, mixing and mastering, released Summer 2019. 2019.
- Tahni Handal, Unfinished Business –album, recording, mixing, mastering, released Summer 2019. 2019.
- Tish Hinojosa, My Homeland – album, recording mixing and mastering, released Fall 2019. 2019.
- Jimmie Vaughn, Baby Please Come Home, 2019 GRAMMY nominee for Best Traditional Blues Album. I did not personally record this album but I brought Jimmie to the studio. He continues to record here in 2020. (We also taught his 2nd engineer, Will Clegg.) Several of our students assist.. 2019.
- Heal NOW from Sexual Abuse: The Miracle Series, Volume 2 - Audio book - Marilyn Lundberg. Audible. 2017.
Selected Service Activities
Member
South Texas Historical Association (2 terms Board of Directors)
April 1996-Present
Member
Board of Directors, Cheatham Street Music Foundation
January 2005-Present
Board of Directors
Cheatham Street Music Foundation
January 2005-Present
Advisor/Contributor
Handbook of Texas Music Online, Texas State Historical Association
January 1, 2004-Present
Member and former 2-term Governor
The Recording Academy (NARAS) Texas Chapter
June 2003-Present