There’s a certain magic in a West Texas summer—the kind that lingers in the heat rising off the highway, in the slow bend of a two-lane road, and in the way the sky seems impossibly wide. This playlist was born of long drives across the Llano Estacado, where these songs became the soundtrack to endless summer nights on the road. As the season begins to fade and summer edges toward fall, these tracks hold onto that feeling: warm, unhurried, and as expansive as the plains themselves.
Press play on our newest Spire on Spotify playlist called Vol. 61: Summer on the Llano Estacado and let it carry you through those last golden hours of the season.
Julia, what is the name of your album?
My playlist is called Summer on the Llano Estacado. It feels like the perfect way to pay homage to my summer spent in the Texas Panhandle.
How would you describe this mix?
From gritty country narratives to soul-searching rockabilly and just good old-fashioned storytelling, this is an eclectic but familiar mix. It’s not quite cowboy rock (okay, maybe a little), but a selection of classic cruising delights for Texas roads and beyond.
What was your inspiration behind it?
This playlist is inspired by my summer spent in West Texas – specifically in Friona, Texas. Living in small town in Texas, my husband and I spend a decent amount of time in the car driving to Amarillo, Clovis and other surrounding areas. Music is always a must when we pile into the pickup truck, so this playlist is created based on some of my favorite songs we’ve listened to this summer.
What is your favorite song, and why?
My favorite song on this playlist is “Sister Golden Hair” by America. It’s fun, upbeat, and timeless—one of those classics that feels just as fresh today as it did decades ago. The easygoing melody and warm harmonies make it perfect for a summer drive, and every time it comes on, it instantly lifts my mood and takes me back to simpler, carefree moments.
“Where the Llano Estacado rises up to meet the sky. I ain’t crying, that’s West Texas in my eye.”
– West Texas in My Eye, The Panhandlers
If your playlist was a brand, what would it be and why?
If this playlist were a brand, it would be Tecovas. Born in Dallas but rooted in traditional western style, Tecovas blends timeless craftsmanship with a modern edge—much like the mix of classic and contemporary songs on this playlist. It’s approachable, well-worn in the best way, and evokes the spirit of the open road.
Any specific memory that comes to mind when you listen?
No single memory comes to mind; instead, it’s a collection of weekends spent on long drives through West Texas with my husband and golden retriever this summer.
What makes your playlist unique?
What makes this playlist unique is that it captures the pace and feel of a West Texas summer. It blends classic tracks with newer finds, all tied together by the kind of easygoing energy that makes them perfect for long stretches of open road and the summer season.
Thanks for taking us along for the ride, Julia. Stay tuned to the Spire Blog and Spotify Channel for our next agency playlist.
Julia Johnston is a Principal/Account Director at Spire, and an Ad 2 Dallas “32 Under 32” recipient.
