Musician Leon Bridges: ‘There’s a specific Texas pride in Fort Worth’

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

I moved to Fort Worth when I was two years old, so I’m Texan through and through. I love the slower pace here and that the people are so salt-of-the-earth. I’m always on the move – to Los Angeles, to New York, on tour – and I sometimes find people a little superficial or pretentious. There is a simplicity to life here. My parents still live in Fort Worth and my inner circle – people I met on the cusp of fame, including my security – are all based here too.

Fort Worth isn’t as progressive as Austin, but the food scene and population are both evolving. There’s a specific Texas pride here – in our roots and in our culture – and I think my music reflects that. It’s Texas twang meets R&B and the whole Western aesthetic that goes along with it. 

The city has seen the addition of many cool smaller hotels recently: Bowie House is one of the best. It’s a great environment to meet people, and it’s also near Dickies Arena, so people are drawn there from all over to see musicians such as Paul McCartney and Janet Jackson. I’ve played there, too. Hotel Dryce is another cool option – it’s set in an old industrial warehouse – and I like Hotel Drover in Fort Worth Stockyards for its great bar and true Texas spirit. The Stockyards is where cowboys historically traded cattle, and it still has that classic Western vibe, right down to the rodeo. There are so many dope places to stay.

I still like to go and play impromptu shows at the dive bar where I was discovered

I cut my teeth on Magnolia Avenue, an artsy part of town with lots of music venues and restaurants. Sadly some of the staples have closed as musicians have moved on to Nashville and LA, but there is one dive bar – The Boiled Owl Tavern – that’s particularly significant as it’s where I was discovered. I still like to go and play impromptu shows with the original musicians from back in the day.

Cherry Coffee on Magnolia is always a stop for an Americano and gluten-free cake. It was started by friends, so I like to support them. Paris Coffee Shop is another old-school favourite. It’s set in the Near Southside District and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. Heim Barbecue is the place for classic Texan barbecue – brisket and pulled pork – Calisience does the best tacos and burritos and Shaw’s Patio Bar & Grill serves late-night burgers and wings.

There is so much happening in Fort Worth now. Kimbell Art Museum and the Water Gardens were both featured in Kendrick Lamar’s video for “N95”, while the Tadao Ando-designed Modern Art Museum is a highlight of the Cultural District. One of my favourite exhibitions was in 2023 on Jammie Holmes, whose work explores Southern histories. Trinity Park is also very nostalgic: I spent a lot of time playing here as a kid. 

Shopping is a big pastime, and Doc’s Records and Vintage is my go-to for everything from vinyl to vintage Wrangler jeans and broken-in cowboy boots. I like a Canadian tuxedo – denim from head to toe – and I am currently working on finding the right denim boots. For custom styles, ML Leddy’s is the OG, and I recently got my dad a colourful made-to-measure pair from Ramblin Trails Custom Boots that’s inspired by the New Orleans Saints, his favourite football team. For an authentic Texas experience, go to a Texas Christian University game. Football is religion here, and while our team doesn’t quite have the sauce right now, the fans have great spirit.

I love that Fort Worth has its own identity: it doesn’t aspire to be New York or LA, or even nearby Dallas. It’s always got that charming, down-to-earth feeling, and I don’t think that will ever change. My latest album, Leon, shines a light on Fort Worth and growing up in the Historic Southside. It’s about the experiences – and the city – that made me who I am today. 

Leon is out now on Columbia Records