Exclusive Video Shoot: JB Strauss Plans to Capture Abilene’s Vibe

A Special Connection to Abilene

While broadcasting live from the Abilene Zoo on World Rhino Day this past Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Lopez, the Vice President of Visit Abilene Texas, which is a part of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. During our conversation, Lopez shared some exciting news, country singer-songwriter JB Strauss is coming to Abilene to film a music video for his new song "Abilene." This track is from his new album Saints of the South and carries special significance for our city.

A Song Rooted in History

As I examined the lyrics, it became clear that Strauss has a deep connection to Abilene's history. He mentions the train, a vital part of our city’s story, which was settled in the late 1800s as a key railroad stop making Abilene the County seat. The song reflects not only Strauss's Southern roots but also the sense of longing and nostalgia that is part of our city’s past.

JB Strauss will be arriving in Abilene toward the end of September and into early October to shoot the video for "Abilene," a track that stands out on his new album. According to Lopez, this video shoot is a significant event for Abilene, as it will help showcase the city’s unique charm to a broader audience.

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Meet JB Strauss: A Southern Storyteller

Here’s a bit more about JB Strauss: hailing from Macon, Georgia, Strauss is known for blending storytelling with his Southern musical influences. His sound is shaped by classic southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Creedence Clearwater Revival, and songwriters like John Prine. With a law degree under his belt, JB’s songwriting balances Southern tradition with themes of redemption.

Below are the heartfelt lyrics to his song "Abilene," which captures the spirit of the city in its words:

"Abilene" by JB Strauss 

Well, she, she had me barely holding on
Our love was like a rodeo, well-lit and wild
But I, I got caught on the wrong side
Of a long goodbye
Was just a matter of time
‘Cause she, she held the key to all I lacked
Split my soul like a railroad track
And I can’t get back

To Abilene
Oh, I believe in a dream
Called Abilene
My gypsy queen
Somewhere in between, Lord
Here with me and Abilene

She, she ran like the river flows
I got caught in her undertow, and it rolled me around
She, she’s free as a mountain sky
Lord, you know she left me high
And I never came down
She, she don’t owe me anything
Sometimes I still call her name
Oh, Abilene

Abilene
Oh, I believe in a dream
Called Abilene
My gypsy queen
Somewhere in between, Lord
Here with me and Abilene

Abilene
Oh, I believe in a dream
Called Abilene
My gypsy queen
Somewhere in between, oh
Here with me and Abilene

Abilene
Oh, I believe in a dream
Called Abilene
My gypsy queen
Somewhere in between, oh
Here with me and Abilene

Be sure to check out the audio above for the full JB Strauss experience!