Cheatham Street Warehouse stands as a legendary venue, deeply intertwined with the fabric of Texas music history and the nurturing of countless songwriting talents. Founded by Kent Finlay, the venue was intentionally designed to echo the relaxed and collaborative atmosphere he cherished at Luckenbach, Texas. It was in Luckenbach, under the shade of sprawling trees, that Finlay, alongside Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and other luminaries, shared songs and camaraderie with Hondo Crouch, his spiritual mentor. Finlay himself readily acknowledged this lineage, famously stating, “If there hadn’t been a Luckenbach, there wouldn’t have ever been a Cheatham Street.” This connection underscores Cheatham Street Warehouse’s foundational commitment to fostering a similar spirit of community and creativity amongst musicians.
The essence of Kent Finlay’s vision for Cheatham Street Warehouse was the “Songwriters Circle.” This special night was conceived as a haven for songwriters, a space where they could perform for an attentive audience steeped in reverence and respect for the craft of songwriting. Over the years, Songwriters Circle became a prestigious platform, hosting an astonishing array of acclaimed artists. The list of musicians who graced the Cheatham Street stage reads like a who’s who of Americana and Texas music: Randy Rogers, Todd Snider, James McMurtry, John Arthur Martinez, Terri Hendrix, Hal Ketchum, Adam Carroll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Big John Mills, Shelley King, Monte Montgomery, Charlie and Will Sexton, and Slaid Cleaves are but a few examples. Finlay often emphasized the non-commercial nature of Songwriters Circle, declaring it “never has been a money maker night, but it sure is a great night for keeping our integrity.” This focus on artistic integrity over profit solidified Cheatham Street’s reputation as a genuine supporter of songwriters.
Cheatham Street Warehouse faced a period of closure in the 1990s, but Kent Finlay’s unwavering passion ensured its revival. From New Year’s Eve 1999 until his passing on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2015, Finlay tirelessly dedicated himself to nurturing emerging songwriters and showcasing exceptional Americana music at the venue. His commitment to the scene remained steadfast through various challenges.
In a move that highlighted the venue’s cultural significance, Texas State University professors Gregg Andrews and Vikki Bynum (Finlay’s wife) stepped in to purchase the physical property in March 2006. Their intervention prevented the potential demolition of Cheatham Street Warehouse, preserving it until the newly established Cheatham Street Music Foundation could gather sufficient funds to acquire it. The non-profit Foundation, specifically created to safeguard Kent Finlay’s songwriting legacy at this beloved honky tonk, successfully bought the property in November 2010. Throughout these transitions in ownership, Kent Finlay continued to lease the warehouse and operate Cheatham Street Warehouse as a thriving business until his death, ensuring the continuity of his vision.
A significant chapter in Cheatham Street’s history began on December 21, 2016, when Randy Rogers, a musician deeply connected to the venue, purchased the property from the Foundation and the assets of the business from Kent’s children – Jenni, HalleyAnna, and Sterling. This acquisition was widely seen as a natural and fitting progression.
Randy Rogers’ connection to Cheatham Street Warehouse is profound. He first started attending Songwriters Circle in 2000, shortly after Finlay reopened the venue. Kent Finlay became a mentor to Rogers, recognizing not only his musical talent but also his strong work ethic. Rogers has openly acknowledged the transformative impact of Finlay and Cheatham Street on his career, stating, “Kent changed my life… You walk in there and get chills… that’s how I feel about it.” In a powerful display of respect and gratitude, Rogers chose to hold his record deal signing ceremony with Mercury Records on the very stage of Cheatham Street Warehouse on July 30, 2005. Kent Finlay, beaming with pride, was present to witness this milestone in his protégé’s career, a testament to the enduring legacy of Cheatham Street Warehouse as a launchpad for musical dreams.
