Augie Meyers, the influential Texas musician whose distinctive organ playing helped shape the sound of Tex-Mex rock, has died. He was 85.
Meyers passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 7, according to a statement shared by his family on Facebook.
The message noted that the San Antonio native died with his wife, Sara, by his side.
“Augie Meyers, a true Texas Legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 7th at 85 with his wife Sara at his side,” the post read.
Meyers Impressive Career
Born in San Antonio in 1940, Meyers developed a love for music at a young age.
As a teenager, he met fellow musician Doug Sahm in 1953. The two quickly bonded over rock and roll, forming a friendship and creative partnership that would shape the Texas music scene for decades.
More than ten years later, Meyers and Sahm co-founded the band Sir Douglas Quintet.
The group became known for blending a wide range of musical influences, including psychedelic rock, blues, jazz, and country music, with the distinctive cultural sounds of the Texas-Mexico border.
While Sahm served as the band’s frontman, Meyers’ signature sound came from his use of the Vox Continental organ, which gave the group its recognizable style.
His playing helped define songs such as “She’s About a Mover,” “Mendocino,” and “And It Didn’t Even Bring Me Down,” providing the upbeat rhythms and melodic accents that became hallmarks of the band’s music.
Although the Sir Douglas Quintet never reached massive mainstream success, the group’s sound proved highly influential.
Over the years, artists across the roots and Americana landscape cited them as an inspiration.
After the band dissolved in 1973, Meyers and Sahm continued collaborating on new musical projects. One of their most notable ventures came in the 1990s with the creation of Texas Tornados. The group also included accordionist Flaco Jiménez and Tejano star Freddy Fender.
The Texas Tornados released their self-titled debut album in 1990, featuring the popular track “(Hey Baby) Que Pasó,” which Meyers co-wrote.
The bilingual love song became especially beloved in San Antonio, where it earned a reputation as a local anthem.
Beyond his work with bands, Meyers also collaborated with several major artists. He contributed to recordings by Willie Nelson, Tom Waits and Raul Malo.
In 1997, he worked with Bob Dylan in the studio, playing organ and accordion on Dylan’s acclaimed album “Time Out of Mind.”
He later reunited with Dylan to perform on the 2001 album “Love and Theft.”
Tributes Pour In
Meyers was the last surviving member of the original Texas Tornados lineup, following the deaths of Sahm in 1999, Fender in 2006 and Jiménez in 2024.
After the news of his passing was released, tributes started to pour in.
“Texas Tornados on of my all-time favorites
R. I. P. Augie,” one user wrote.
Another added, “Had the honor of being friendly with Auggie several years back. Very kind and had some incredible stories to tell. RIP.”
