Season 7 Episode 13 Doc Watkins

When you think of Texas, the first thing that comes to mind is probably not jazz. But there is a man named Doc Watkins who could change all of that.  Watkins is a jazz musician, club owner, entrepreneur, tech founder, pianist, singer, and bandleader who is on a mission to build community through live jazz and hospitality. Ironically, Doc Watkins earned his bachelor's degree in classical piano from Southern Oregon University and his Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Texas.  Initially, he could be heard in a concert hall at the piano playing music like Ravel's Rapsodie Espagnole. But it wasn't long before he realized the classical music world was not going to pay the bills. So, in his late 20's, Doc began devoting his life pursuits to music like jazz where he could even make Beethoven swing. A new musical career path was launched. Doc started by playing “dive bars” and street corner gigs, all with the goal of eventually building a business organization. He opened his first club, Jazz, TX in San Antonio, in 2016; Doc’s in Houston opened in 2025, and he has a new club scheduled for Chicago in 2027. With 10 albums to his credit, Doc also performs with his eleven-piece orchestra. Plus, he is the co-founder and CEO of TurnTable, a ticketing and marketing software company created specifically for jazz clubs.  Recently, Doc added author to his resume with a new book, “Jazz, TX: A Love Letter to Live Music, Community, and the Little Club That Could,” which is part memoir, part ode to jazz, and part entrepreneurial playbook.   Join me now for a wide-ranging discussion with Doc Watkins that truly doesn’t miss a beat.