Country & The Valley

Alabama used to warn, "If you're gonna play in Texas / you gotta have a fiddle in the band."

In an age of rockabilly, outlaw country, country rock, country pop and even alternative country, fiddles are no longer a must-have.

It's not the only concession country music has had to make to adapt to its changing audience - especially in the Rio Grande Valley, where venues are becoming fewer and farther between. With line dancing, two-stepping and getting rowdy in a honky tonk seemingly on the wane, country music seems to be at a cross roads.

But it's is a versatile creature, and its roots in South Texas stretch deep.

The Rio Grande Valley  has contributed two very recognizable and important names to the canon of country music - Kris Kristofferson and Freddy Fender.

Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, but as a military brat, moved around quite a bit. The songwriter is best known for penning the songs "Me and Bobby McGee," Janis Joplin's signature song, and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," both of which have been covered by countless artists. Kristofferson's diverse resume includes 11 studio albums and appearances in numerous films, including the BladeI trilogy.

Take a drive over to San Benito and just off the expressway you're greeted by the smiling, mustached face of Fender on the city's water tower. Fender managed to have three careers in music as an Hispanic pop star, a country artist and then as a member of Texas Tornados. Fender will always be remembered by most for his songs "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" and "Before the Next Teardrop Falls".

The Valley houses some of the best talent around. Here's a look at what South Texas has to offer in the country genre - and yes, there are a few who have a fiddle in the band.

>> THE COUNTRY ROLAND BAND: The Godfathers of Valley country

>> TEXAS HEAT: They're hot, young and at the top of their game

>> RONNIE & TERRI FURR: The classic couple

>> HIGHWAY 7: A sister act that's off the beaten path

>> SONS OF THE RIO GRANDE: These boys may have famous blood, but they're ready to make it on their own.

>> HEARTLAND EXPRESS They've been around for decades, and the intend to keep on truckin'

>> BREE STEVENS She's young and inexperienced, but she's insanely talented

>> ROUTE 66 These traditionalists have blazed a trail all their own

>> PHILLIP THOMAS KELLOGG This maverick has his eyes set straight on Nashville

>> REBECCA CERVERA Gypsy beauty makes music for mankind

Plus, check out THREE OTHER GREAT ACTS and have a look at the VENUES of Valley Country.