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UT Eyes of Texas

Stories

President Jay Hartzell

President Jay Hartzell provides an overview and perspective on The Eyes of Texas History Committee and their report.

Voices of The Eyes of Texas History Committee Members

Current and former UT Students talk about their experience on The Eyes of Texas History Committee.

Committee members, including the committee chair, students, faculty, alumni and historians discuss their experience as a member of The Eyes of Texas History Committee.

Dr. Rich Reddick, The Eyes of Texas History Committee Chair, provides an overview of the committee’s work, including the many hours that have gone into the research and presentation of the history of “The Eyes of Texas”.

Committee Charges

Charge 1

Experts and historians discuss the origins of “The Eyes of Texas,” break down the lyrics and talk about the creator’s actual intent.

Charges 2 and 3

Historians talk about how “The Eyes of Texas” has been use throughout history and in popular culture.

Historical Experts

Lewis Johnson’s Granddaughters

Lewis Johnson’s granddaughters, co-author of “The Eyes of Texas,” Jeanne Klein and Diane Boddy provide their perspective on the author’s intent and context.

Charles Carson

Dr. Charles Carson, Associate Professor of Musicology, informs us about music and the role of music from a scientific, social, ethnic and evolutionary point of view.

Michael Ray Charles

Dr. Michael Ray Charles, Distinguished Professor of Painting at the University of Houston, discusses the role and importance of art, and of not getting rid of art, even if it is controversial.

Hear Renditions of “The Eyes of Texas”

For more than a century, “The Eyes of Texas” has found its way into virtually every genre of music, including numerous band versions that incorporate quotes from other Texas standards like “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “The Yellow Rose of Texas.”