Matthew McConaughey, Texas' Brightest Musicians Come Together to Help State Affected by Winter Storm

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by Julian Spivey
Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and his Just Keep Livin’ Foundation held a virtual concert called “We’re Texas” to help raise funds for Texans impacted by a huge winter storm in February that saw devastation across the state. The virtual concert featured performances by some of Texas’ brightest stars with videos from some of the Texans impacted by the storm and McConaughey and his foundation pitching in to help them with specific needs.
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There were three ways folks could donate during the broadcast, by hitting the donate button on the YouTube feed of the special, via text or by going to jklivinfoundation.org. The virtual concert had earned more than $227,000 just via folks donating through the YouTube donation option by the end of it two hour and 15 minute runtime.

Los Lonely Boys kicked off the evening of performances, all which were done from the artist’s homes and sent in virtually, with a performance of their 2004 no. 16 hit “Heaven,” which was popular among pop, rock and country fans alike.

Don Henley, of Linden, Texas, performed an old Jesse Winchester penned song “Snow” dressed in warm clothing and mockingly playing a snow shovel like a guitar.

Among the many terrific country music acts from Texas that performed during the virtual concert were hall of famer Willie Nelson (probably Texas’ greatest son) performing “Beautiful Texas,” Miranda Lambert performing her 2009 no. 1 “Heart Like Mine,” George Strait performing his 2008 top-10 hit “Troubadour” and Clint Black performing one of his earliest smash hits “Killin’ Time.”

Kacey Musgraves covered Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again” in hopes that it wouldn’t be much longer before she and her fellow musicians around the country and world go once again get back to touring and doing what they love best. As someone who hasn’t been to a live concert in more than 13 months now I can’t wait either. These virtual shows are terrific, but nothing is a substitute for live music.

Texas Red Dirt Country was represented during the virtual concert with Randy Rogers performing “Buy Myself a Chance” and Parker McCollum doing “Pretty Heart.”

There are plenty of great musicians from Texas that don’t fall within the country music genre or subgenres and that was shown with smooth R&B performances by Leon Bridges doing “Texas Sun” and Khalid doing “Angels.” I particularly enjoyed the blues-rock of Gary Clark Jr. performing “When I’m Gone.” Kirk Franklin also brought some gospel with “I Smile” and Kelly Clarkson stunned with a bluesy number called “Whole Lotta Woman.”

The biggest surprise of the entire evening came during the final performance of “We’re Texas” when major Grammy-nominated pop star Post Malone showed off his love for country music by performing a nice cover of Brad Paisley’s humorous 2001 fishing song “I’m Gonna Miss Her” and then doing a nice version of Sturgill Simpson’s “You Can Have the Crown” during the credits of the special, which was very random and awesome in its randomness. I wouldn’t mind hearing Post Malone do a country record.

“We’re Texas” was a great evening of music for a state that could truly use a bit of help right now, especially when some of its own politicians sworn to serve its people have turned their backs on their citizens. If you would like to donate to the cause please go to jklivinfoundation.org.

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