Written by Diane Adams
The story was originally published in the 2024-25 Brown County Area Guide. Stay tuned as we post more stories from our latest magazines in the coming weeks.
Stepping into Brownwood Music and Baker Street Recording Studio, located in a historic building in Brownwood’s downtown district, provides a fascinating encounter with an eclectic array of influences. From the countless music related collectables that adorn the walls, to the building’s place in the history of the town and the first class instruments and technical expertise available there, there is a hometown ambience, along with a lifetime’s application of knowledge and experience in the world of music found at Brownwood Music.
The building at 201 West Baker street was constructed in 1930. It has served the community in several different capacities over the years. The site was originally a blacksmith’s shop operated by G.C. Haynie in the 1920s. With the end of horse-drawn vehicles, it was transformed into a car dealership and garage in the 1930s, advertising the 1931 Chevrolet Coach, a top of the line automobile at the time. The location has a long record of contributing to Brownwood’s economic growth that interweaves easily with its current venue as a small town music store with a lot of horsepower behind it.
Memorabilia from decades of musical history covers the walls. Autographed photos of popular country stars, and others from just about every other genre, give a sense of the deep musical history found there. “There are many more in photo albums, I ran out of room to frame them,” owner Jodie Armstrong explained. “I used to sing professionally, and I opened for or worked with most of those autographed stars you see either by singing with or running sound for, or promoting or stage management.” Asked about who’s who in the music world that has dropped by the store, Armstrong noted, “My most famous visit, I think, was when Sonny Throckmorton and Willie Nelson rode up together on a motorcycle once and dropped in to say hi. It was very funny to see them on the same bike,”
It’s not surprising that Armstrong has so many connections in the music world. She has been in the industry her entire life, and has run Brownwood Music and its attached recording studio since 1996. Jodie’s musical skills were apparent from an early age. She competed in the Nation Federation Music Festival in 1976, earning superior ratings in her division at both the state and national level. Jodie sings, acts, plays bass cello and saxophone as well. Mrs. Armstrong joined the blues and rock band Texas Wildfire as a vocalist, sharing a stage with the likes of BB King, Sonny Throckmorton and Bobby Bland. She has received the Award of Merit for Musicianship in Instrumentation from the State Of Texas. Jodie was inducted as a Charter Member of the Singing Women of Texas in 1994, among countless other recognitions. Her true passion is for gospel music, however, and Jodie is a strong supporter of the genre both in Brownwood and throughout the state of Texas. Armstrong was voted Woman of the Year by the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce in 2014 in honor of her contributions to the City of Brownwood’s economic and social development.
Brownwood Music doesn’t just offer instruments, recording sessions and lessons though. It’s also a community support system for local talent, where musicians often find more than a new guitar. Armstrong is a frequent shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen for those pursuing the tough, often emotionally draining life of a professional musician. Armstrong attributes her ability to help fellow musicians along their often bumpy roads to her strong faith in God. “I would not be able to continue as an independent music store owner if it were not for God. We try our best to pass along good advice, and treat others the way we want to be treated. We have prayed for many of our customers that were needing a kind word, advice, prayers for a sick loved one, bad marriage, backslid kids, or maybe just someone to listen, you name it. My daughters often refer to my office door needing a ‘Dr. Armstrong, Psychologist’ on it.”
Jodie’s husband, Don, along with systems engineer David Curry, help customers find the perfect sound for their events. Don and David work together to provide full service setup and operation for concerts and other live events, including audio equipment and stage lighting for small to medium venues. They interface with, or supplement, existing sound and lighting systems.
The whole Brownwood Music team is made up of dedicated professionals with intimate knowledge of every aspect of musical professionalism. The staff is determined not just to honor music history, but to bring out the best in the next generation of musicians in town. Brownwood Music hosts a yearly summer music camp for kids, as well as lessons on just about any instrument there is. “We are now teaching children of prior students, so we are passing music on to the second generation,” Armstrong said. “I love when one of our old students comes to town and drops by to say hello and let us meet and know their kids. That is a music family! Music is and has been what makes up my life, professionally and personally. I grew up in a musical family, and it is in my DNA,” Armstrong laughed.
The history of the building, its atmosphere and decor, as well as deep professional knowledge regarding everything from beginner techniques to instrument repair and the applications of new technology, make for an immersive experience for both professional musicians and casual players alike. Stop by and enjoy the sights, and especially the sounds, of the unique ensemble that is Brownwood Music, found at:201 W Baker street, and reached by phone at {325} 646-1365.
The story was originally published in the 2024-25 Brown County Area Guide. Stay tuned as we post more stories from our latest magazines in the coming weeks. You can pick up free copies at any of our business partner locations.