Free Event Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Tom Wilson Jr.
Some of the most influential figures in American history have roots right here in Waco - and Tom Wilson Jr. is one of them.
The Taylor Museum of Waco and McLennan County is proud to help present a special evening honoring Wilson, the Waco-born record producer whose extraordinary career placed him at the center of some of the most important developments in American popular music.
Tom Wilson Jr.: Meet the Masters will take place Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM at Texas Music Cafe located at 3004 Franklin Avenue in Waco. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Wilson is perhaps best known for his pivotal work with Bob Dylan, including producing the landmark recording of “Like a Rolling Stone.” But his influence extended far beyond a single artist or recording. During his remarkable career, Wilson worked with artists whose music helped define an era, crossing the boundaries of folk, rock and jazz and helping bring groundbreaking new sounds to American audiences.
For the Taylor Museum, Wilson's story is particularly meaningful. Before he became an important figure in American music history, Tom Wilson was a son of Waco. His accomplishments are part of the larger story of the people from Waco and McLennan County whose lives and work have had an impact far beyond Central Texas.
The evening will feature interviews with Tom Wilson III and Steven E. Jones, author of Everything Is Everything, as well as a secret surprise musical guest.
Celebrating Waco History Through Music
The event is presented in partnership with Second and Clay and the Central Texas African American Heritage Foundation, with support from the Taylor Museum and other community partners.
It also represents the beginning of an exciting new collaboration between the Taylor Museum of Waco and McLennan County History and Texas Music Cafe designed to bring history to life through music, storytelling and live events.
Through this partnership, the museum plans to present additional music-related programs highlighting the people, stories and cultural connections that are part of our shared history. Future events will also provide opportunities to support the Taylor Museum and its mission as we continue working to preserve and interpret the history of Waco and McLennan County.
For this first event, however, admission is completely FREE, and we invite the entire community to join us for an evening celebrating an extraordinary Waco native whose work helped shape the sound of American music.
