Well folks, it’s Rodeo time over in Houston, Texas. And while my family and friends are down south enjoying the sunshine, world-class BBQ, fried everything, and an excuse to be drunk and wear cowboy boots every night of the week for the next month, I find myself on my last Ricola, hibernating during the third snowstorm to hit Boston in that last two weeks. I keep coughing, my focus on studying for my upcoming exam is beginning to wane, and this ”happy” lamp is never going to be as satisfying as the sun’s rays, I don’t care what they say. So naturally, my thoughts instead stray to sunny memories of Rodeos past– musical memories, that is! As the largest Rodeo event in the world, those at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show see world-famous acts headlining every night after a long day of sitting through pig races, chomping on turkey legs and corn on the cob, questioning the existence of the human soul during Mutton Bustin’ and betting on how long cowboys can hold on for dear life as extremely pissed off bulls and broncos try to buck them the hell off.
And with that, I hereby present my totally biased, un-country, divalicious Top Four Rodeo Houston Musical Moments in my lifetime:
4. Beyoncé Knowles Comes “Home,” Reliant Stadium, 2007
Texans are known for their pride. When a Texan leaves the great state for any reason, he or she brings along three very sacred things. First is a Texas flag, to immediately hang up in the new bedroom in order to truly call this place home. Second is a pair of cowboy boots. But the third…oh, the third. The third is something we keep in our hearts, sort of like the spirit of the Alamo, but much more serious. It is an unwavering loyalty to Beyoncé Knowles and the commitment to spreading the knowledge of her origins. We’re kind of like missionaries–Beyoncé missionaries, that is. Anytime she comes up in conversation, it is vital to alert everyone around that she is indeed from Texas (making you, the Texan, automatically ten times cooler than you were five minutes ago). Anyway, we all sang our hearts out as our favorite diva made an ebullient, grand entrance on horseback, followed by a true homecoming performance with appearances from local rappers Slim Thug and Bun-B. “Houston, rock it!”
3. Mary J Blige’s First Houston Rodeo (Oh Yeah, Brian McKnight Was There Too) // Astrodome // 2002
Mary J. Blige is no stranger to Rodeo Houston. It seems she has secured a slot in the lineup almost every year since 2002. But that first year was a magical one. “A Family Affair” was one of those songs, along with the entire soundtrack of the movie Chicago, that kept me dancing in my bedroom for hours on end until I was either frustrated with my lack of choreography skills, or until my older sister’s giggling blew her cover. When I thought I couldn’t be more excited to see Mary J Blige perform in the flesh from some third tier seats in the Astrodome, a miracle happened. We were taken aside at random and given magical wristbands that gave us access to the floor of the arena so we could stand (in a mix of dirt and horse shit) right up in front of that dreamy, rotating stage. The next big surprise was that Brian McKnight opened for her and sang that song where he counts to four. I did not know who he was, but even my mom knew the words to that song. Ah, one might say MJB taught me how to be a real woman that night. I learned what grinding was, as demonstrated by a fake blonde in a shiny snake skin halter top and cowboy hat, much to my father’s dismay. I sang “No More Drama” like I meant it. And I danced like my sister wasn’t watching.
2. Destiny’s Child Sings “Survivor” 4 DA FIRST TIME EVAH // Astrodome // 2001
The answer to your question is yes, I know Beyoncé is hogging the spotlight in my Top 4 list. But it’s only in her nature, so hush! Rewind to 2001. Equipped with Bath & Body Works glitter lotion and butterfly hair clips, I knew this would be one of the most important nights of my life. By the time hometown heroes Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle of Destiny’s Child were well on their way to taking over the world as their Rodeo gig approached, Houston’s historic “Eighth Wonder of the World” (lol), the Houston Astrodome –which technically became known as Reliant Astrodome when Reliant Energy acquired Astrodomain naming rights in 2000 (but seriously, why would anyone ever call it that)– was enjoying its final years of splendor as the venue for the Houston Rodeo. On the heels of the wildly successful single “Bootylicious,” and with a third studio album release on the horizon, Destiny’s Child debuted “Survivor” on this special evening. And the rest is history.
1. Selena Breaks Her Own Attendance Record, Again // Astrodome // 1995
I must admit I was not actually available to attend this Rodeo performance because I had a previous engagement, which was being three years old. No matter, it is still my number one. Tejano music legend and my first love, Selena Quintanilla Perez, performed one of her last concerts, and last televised concert, in the Astrodome for the 1995 Houston Rodeo. Selena’s blossoming career and newlywed life would be cut short, just two weeks shy of her 24th birthday, at the hands of her former fan-club and clothing boutique manager (who will not be named because that B doesn’t deserve it) only a month after this historical performance. At the time, Selena broke the Go Tejano Day attendance record for the third consecutive year as she was at the height of her “Madonna of Latin American Music” status. As you can see from the video of the entire performance (linked below), this rising superstar’s incredible talent and infectious smile were undeniable–shattering language, cultural, and genre barriers alike. The set begins with a Disco Medley in English, but keep watching for Spanish-language hits like “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “Como La Flor,” and “La Carcacha”– and not to mention, some epic dance freestylin’.
Happy Houston Rodeo, y’all!
– Julie Weil