The city of Tyler has been named a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office.
Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement Thursday that the city of Tyler reached the designation after completing a multi-step certification process.
“Congratulations to the city of Tyler on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” Abbott said. “Music is key to the Texas brand and is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of our great state. Music Friendly Texas Communities certified by the Texas Music Office work hard to attract and develop the local music industry to boost local job creation and economic growth."
The Music Friendly Texas program aims to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities. Abbott said the Texas music industry created more than 192,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generated over $26 billion in economic activity statewide in 2022.
Tyler Mayor Don Warren said he is thrilled to see Tyler receive the official designation.
"This recognition not only honors our rich musical heritage but also celebrates our ongoing commitment to fostering a supportive environment for musicians and the music industry," Warren said. "Together, we harmonize the notes of culture, creativity, and community, making Tyler a melody that resonates across the Lone Star State."
Chair of the Visit Tyler Music Friendly Advisory Board Carleen Dark-Bays said becoming a music-friendly community is a pivotal milestone that will "unlock opportunity and foster invaluable connections for our local artists and musicians."
Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin noted the reopening of the roughly 100-year-old historic Mayfair Music and Dance Hall pairs well with the designation from the state. Several musicians like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash & June Carter, Hank Williams, Bob Barker and David Allen Coe once performed at the Mayfair.
A ceremony to celebrate the certification will be held on Jan. 11 at Liberty Hall, located at 103 E. Erwin St. in downtown Tyler, at 5 p.m. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Chip Adams will present the honor to city officials. The event is free to attend.