Fort Worth

PHOTOS: Billy Bob’s Texas, 1981 grand opening & memorable moments each year since

April 2, 1981: Bartenders were busy behind one of four main bars at Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in Fort Worth.
April 2, 1981: Bartenders were busy behind one of four main bars at Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in Fort Worth. Rodger Mallison Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections

For 41 years, Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards has been an institution enjoyed by untold thousands of country music fans, and some of the biggest names in the business.

And throughout its history, Star-Telegram photographers have captured everything from Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July concerts to the fun that folks have learning how to line dance at the “world’s largest honky tonk.”

Here’s a look back at memorable moments from the Star-Telegram archives, starting with the grand opening on April 1, 1981, through nearly every year until now, as well as some photos provided by Billy Bob’s.

How many of these events do you remember?

July 4, 2004: Wille Nelson exits the stage after being presented a city flag and proclamation by Fort Worth Councilman Jim Lane during the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at Billy Bob’s Texas.
July 4, 2004: Wille Nelson exits the stage after being presented a city flag and proclamation by Fort Worth Councilman Jim Lane during the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at Billy Bob’s Texas. TOM PENNINGTON

Billy Bob’s opens in 1981

April 1981: Billy Bob’s, the month it opened.
April 1981: Billy Bob’s, the month it opened. Billy Bob's
April 5, 1981: In the VIP Club at Billy Bob’s Texas, Billy Bob Barnett, left and Spencer Taylor stand before the head of V61, Bull of the Year in National Finals Rodeo of 1970, who went nine years without anyone able to ride him.
April 5, 1981: In the VIP Club at Billy Bob’s Texas, Billy Bob Barnett, left and Spencer Taylor stand before the head of V61, Bull of the Year in National Finals Rodeo of 1970, who went nine years without anyone able to ride him. Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
April 2, 1981: Opening night at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth Stockyards. An unidentified singer (Rick Nelson?) performs on one of four main stages.
April 2, 1981: Opening night at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth Stockyards. An unidentified singer (Rick Nelson?) performs on one of four main stages. Rodger Mallison Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections
April 2, 1981: Opening night at Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk; a workman on a ladder placing letters on the sign.
April 2, 1981: Opening night at Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk; a workman on a ladder placing letters on the sign. Rodger Mallison Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections

Early years: 1980s

1981: Jerry Lee Lewis at Billy Bob’s Texas. He performed here 20 times over the years.
1981: Jerry Lee Lewis at Billy Bob’s Texas. He performed here 20 times over the years. Billy Bob's
Jan. 2, 1982: Bob Hope strikes a pose after receiving a cowboy hat from the committee that brought him to Billy Bob’s north side club for New Years Eve. Among those making the presentation were Amon Carter Jr., right of Hope, and owner Billy Bob Barnett, far right.
Jan. 2, 1982: Bob Hope strikes a pose after receiving a cowboy hat from the committee that brought him to Billy Bob’s north side club for New Years Eve. Among those making the presentation were Amon Carter Jr., right of Hope, and owner Billy Bob Barnett, far right. Norm Tindell Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Jan. 31, 1988: Exterior of Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in Fort Worth Stockyards
Jan. 31, 1988: Exterior of Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in Fort Worth Stockyards Rodger Mallison Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections
1987: Willie Nelson and Billy Vera perform at Billy Bob’s Texas during filming of the 1988 HBO movie “Baja Oklahoma,” based on the book by Dan Jenkins.
1987: Willie Nelson and Billy Vera perform at Billy Bob’s Texas during filming of the 1988 HBO movie “Baja Oklahoma,” based on the book by Dan Jenkins. Joyce Marshall Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections
Early 1980s: George Jones at Billy Bob’s
Early 1980s: George Jones at Billy Bob’s Billy Bob's
Alan Jackson at Billy Bob’s
Alan Jackson at Billy Bob’s BILLY BOB'S TEXAS (courtesy Billy Bob's)
Nov. 13, 1988: Working to revive Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in the Fort Worth Stockyards are, from left, Don Jury, Steven Murrin and Ken Brixey.
Nov. 13, 1988: Working to revive Billy Bob’s Texas honky-tonk in the Fort Worth Stockyards are, from left, Don Jury, Steven Murrin and Ken Brixey. Beatrice Terrazas Fort Worth Star-Telegram archive/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 30, 1989: Garth Brooks performs at Billy Bob’s.
Dec. 30, 1989: Garth Brooks performs at Billy Bob’s. Billy Bob's

1990

Dec. 6, 1990: Patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas dance during a taping of “Happy New Year America,” a special set to air on CBS on New Year’s Eve.
Dec. 6, 1990: Patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas dance during a taping of “Happy New Year America,” a special set to air on CBS on New Year’s Eve. Ricky Moon Fort Worth Star-Telegram archives/UT Arlington Special Collections
Dec. 6, 1990: CBS cameraman Palmer Moynihan videotapes patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas for “Happy New Year America,” a special set to air on New Year’s Eve.
Dec. 6, 1990: CBS cameraman Palmer Moynihan videotapes patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas for “Happy New Year America,” a special set to air on New Year’s Eve. Ricky Moon Fort Worth Star-Telegram/UT Arlington Special Collections

1993

May 1992: Musicians from the band Alabama put their hands in wet concrete at Billy Bob’s Texas.
May 1992: Musicians from the band Alabama put their hands in wet concrete at Billy Bob’s Texas. Billy Bob's

1994

1994: Laurie White performs at Billy Bob’s Happy New Year America for CBS
1994: Laurie White performs at Billy Bob’s Happy New Year America for CBS Rick Faine
May 27, 1994: Tim McGraw presents Billy Minick with a platinum album at Billy Bob’s Texas.
May 27, 1994: Tim McGraw presents Billy Minick with a platinum album at Billy Bob’s Texas. Billy Bob's

1999

Aug. 28, 1999: Head bartender Russell Stuart from Fort Worth hands change to a customer after serving a bottle of beer at Billy Bob’s Texas
Aug. 28, 1999: Head bartender Russell Stuart from Fort Worth hands change to a customer after serving a bottle of beer at Billy Bob’s Texas Chad Greene SPECIAL TO STAR-TELEGRAM
Jan. 30, 1999: Country music legend George Jones performs at Billy Bob’s
Jan. 30, 1999: Country music legend George Jones performs at Billy Bob’s Ben Noey Jr. STAR-TELEGRAM
April 14, 1999: Country music entertainer Ty Herndon speaks with Mary Collins, left, and Renea Dean at the press conference at Billy Bob’s Texas to announce a special performance to benefit the widows of volunteer firefighters killed that February.
April 14, 1999: Country music entertainer Ty Herndon speaks with Mary Collins, left, and Renea Dean at the press conference at Billy Bob’s Texas to announce a special performance to benefit the widows of volunteer firefighters killed that February. Ron T. Ennis STAR-TELEGRAM
June 15, 1999: Billy Bob’s Texas bills itself as the ‘world’s largest honky-tonk.’
June 15, 1999: Billy Bob’s Texas bills itself as the ‘world’s largest honky-tonk.’ DONNA MCWILLIAM AP

2001

March 16, 2001: Country music legend Willie Nelson sips a cup of coffee in his tour bus after playing a show at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth.
March 16, 2001: Country music legend Willie Nelson sips a cup of coffee in his tour bus after playing a show at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth. Tom Pennington Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Aug. 18, 2001: Ringo Starr dazzled fans at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Aug. 18, 2001: Ringo Starr dazzled fans at Billy Bob’s Texas. Alison Woodworth File photo
June 5, 2001: Jackie Bibby, 50, surpassed his record of 107 to 109 snakes in a sleeping bag at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth.
June 5, 2001: Jackie Bibby, 50, surpassed his record of 107 to 109 snakes in a sleeping bag at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Alison Woodworth Fort Worth Star-Telegram

2002

Jan. 12, 2002: Bartender ‘Big Dan’ Morgan mixes drinks for patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas on a Saturday night.
Jan. 12, 2002: Bartender ‘Big Dan’ Morgan mixes drinks for patrons of Billy Bob’s Texas on a Saturday night. Richard W. Rodriguez Star-Telegram

2003

June 17, 2003: Pam Minick, left, and Steve Murrin pose at the rodeo photography booth at Billy Bob’s Texas.
June 17, 2003: Pam Minick, left, and Steve Murrin pose at the rodeo photography booth at Billy Bob’s Texas. Ron T. Ennis Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Aug. 24, 2003: The infamous Hank Williams Jr. II was the highlight of the first annual Stockyards Stampede Concert next to Billy Bob’s Texas
Aug. 24, 2003: The infamous Hank Williams Jr. II was the highlight of the first annual Stockyards Stampede Concert next to Billy Bob’s Texas File photo
Sept. 13, 2003: Lee Ann Womack performs at Billy Bob’s Texas
Sept. 13, 2003: Lee Ann Womack performs at Billy Bob’s Texas Amy Wiseman
Aug. 9, 2003: Pat Benatar performing at Billy Bob’s of Texas
Aug. 9, 2003: Pat Benatar performing at Billy Bob’s of Texas Jessica Kourkounis Special to the Star-Telegram

2004

Nov. 12, 2004: Willie Nelson performs at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Nov. 12, 2004: Willie Nelson performs at Billy Bob’s Texas. RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM
July 31, 2004: Fort Worth resident Crystal Jones chats with rodeo clown and barrel man Jeff Harris, outside his dressing room at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth.
July 31, 2004: Fort Worth resident Crystal Jones chats with rodeo clown and barrel man Jeff Harris, outside his dressing room at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. Jen Friedberg Fort Worth Star-Telegram
May 18, 2004: Bank of America Colonial “An Evening with Vince Gill” at Billy Bob’s Texas. From left, Pam McQuitty, Dee Finley, Vince Gill, Chuck Scherer, Melissa Kirtley.
May 18, 2004: Bank of America Colonial “An Evening with Vince Gill” at Billy Bob’s Texas. From left, Pam McQuitty, Dee Finley, Vince Gill, Chuck Scherer, Melissa Kirtley. Sharon Corcoran STAR-TELEGRAM

2006

July 4, 2006: Fans enjoys Noel Haggard as he plays at the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic and Concert next to Billy Bob’s. The show featured musicians such as David Coe and Kris Kristofferson
July 4, 2006: Fans enjoys Noel Haggard as he plays at the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic and Concert next to Billy Bob’s. The show featured musicians such as David Coe and Kris Kristofferson Jeffery Washington STAR-TELEGRAM

2007

Feb. 17, 2007: Miranda Lambert performs at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Feb. 17, 2007: Miranda Lambert performs at Billy Bob’s Texas. LESLIE SPURLOCK SPECIAL FOR STAR-TELEGRAM
May 18, 2007: Billy Bob’s Texas head of security Robert Gallagher discusses the seven things to say to get backstage after a concert at Billy Bob’s Texas.
May 18, 2007: Billy Bob’s Texas head of security Robert Gallagher discusses the seven things to say to get backstage after a concert at Billy Bob’s Texas. TOM PENNINGTON STAR-TELEGRAM/TOM PENNINGTON
June 16, 2007: Country Legend Loretta Lynn wows the crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas
June 16, 2007: Country Legend Loretta Lynn wows the crowd at Billy Bob’s Texas Rachel Parker

2008

Nov. 23, 2008: Country legend Loretta Lynn performs at Billy Bob’s Texas
Nov. 23, 2008: Country legend Loretta Lynn performs at Billy Bob’s Texas Rachel Parker Special to the Star-Telegram

2010

June 12, 2010: Bartender Jennifer Fleming at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards
June 12, 2010: Bartender Jennifer Fleming at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards Ben Noey Jr. Star-Telegram
Feb. 13, 2010: Miranda Lambert performs at Billy Bob’s Texas
Feb. 13, 2010: Miranda Lambert performs at Billy Bob’s Texas RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ SPECIAL TO THE STAR-TELEGRAM
June 12, 2010: From left, Kennedy Kasten, Sarah DeNeve, Sarah Hobson and Kassidee Hobson dance at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
June 12, 2010: From left, Kennedy Kasten, Sarah DeNeve, Sarah Hobson and Kassidee Hobson dance at Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Ben Noey Jr. Star-Telegram

2011

March 31, 2011: From left, Pat Green, Blaine Gray, Dan Roberts, Janie Fricke, Rudy Gatlin, Kevin Fowler and Rob Dixon pose on the red carpet as Billy Bob’s Texas celebrated its 30th anniversary
March 31, 2011: From left, Pat Green, Blaine Gray, Dan Roberts, Janie Fricke, Rudy Gatlin, Kevin Fowler and Rob Dixon pose on the red carpet as Billy Bob’s Texas celebrated its 30th anniversary Joyce Marshall Star-Telegram
March 31, 2011: Steve Murrin cuts the birthday cake as Billy Bob’s Texas celebrated its 30th anniversary.
March 31, 2011: Steve Murrin cuts the birthday cake as Billy Bob’s Texas celebrated its 30th anniversary. Joyce Marshall Star-Telegram
July 4, 2011: An enthusiastic crowd cheers on Brantly Gilbert and his band outside Billy Bob’s Texas during Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic.
July 4, 2011: An enthusiastic crowd cheers on Brantly Gilbert and his band outside Billy Bob’s Texas during Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic. RON T. ENNIS Fort Worth Star-Telegram

2012

July 4, 2012: Singer songwriter Cory Smith has his picture made with fans after his performance at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at the Billy Bob’s Texas
July 4, 2012: Singer songwriter Cory Smith has his picture made with fans after his performance at Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at the Billy Bob’s Texas Bob Haynes Special to the Star-Telegram
July 4, 2012: The crowd cheers for Billy Joe Shaver as he performs at the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at the Billy Bob’s Texas in the Stockyards
July 4, 2012: The crowd cheers for Billy Joe Shaver as he performs at the Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at the Billy Bob’s Texas in the Stockyards Bob Haynes Special to the Star-Telegram

2013

Jan. 18, 2013: Guitarist Casey James, a Fort Worth native who was a finalist in “American Idol,” and mother Debra “Bybee” James sing to a small group of fans at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Jan. 18, 2013: Guitarist Casey James, a Fort Worth native who was a finalist in “American Idol,” and mother Debra “Bybee” James sing to a small group of fans at Billy Bob’s Texas. Stephen A. Masker Star-Telegram
May 30, 2013: Billy Bob’s Texas
May 30, 2013: Billy Bob’s Texas Khampha Bouaphanh Star-Telegram

2016

July 27, 2016: Collin Raye, Tanya Tucker, T Graham Brown and Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) on stage at the Stars Behind the Stars benefit for Dallas Police Association at Billy Bob’s Texas.
July 27, 2016: Collin Raye, Tanya Tucker, T Graham Brown and Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) on stage at the Stars Behind the Stars benefit for Dallas Police Association at Billy Bob’s Texas. Joyce Marshall Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Billy Bob’s Texas has opened a new smoking patio and will prohibit smoking in May, Wednesday, April 27, 2016.
Billy Bob’s Texas has opened a new smoking patio and will prohibit smoking in May, Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Rodger Mallison Star-Telegram

2017 to today

Aug. 11, 2017: Staff at Billy Bob’s Texas, clockwise from upper left: Michael Armstrong, Khrystyn Henry, Shanda Cartwright, Kathi Jo Tompkins, Rosie Rodriguez, Rusty Sutton, Kara Bell, Stephanie Jury-Park, Gail Grogan, Michael Bubel, Aaron Pettijohn, Chef Chris Fersch, Pam Minick, Sherri Wilson
Aug. 11, 2017: Staff at Billy Bob’s Texas, clockwise from upper left: Michael Armstrong, Khrystyn Henry, Shanda Cartwright, Kathi Jo Tompkins, Rosie Rodriguez, Rusty Sutton, Kara Bell, Stephanie Jury-Park, Gail Grogan, Michael Bubel, Aaron Pettijohn, Chef Chris Fersch, Pam Minick, Sherri Wilson Ross Hailey Fort Worth Star-Telegram
May 1, 2017: Former NFL great Jerome Bettis, left, and golfer Fred Funk take a ride on the bull after learning to line dance at Billy Bob’s Texas.
May 1, 2017: Former NFL great Jerome Bettis, left, and golfer Fred Funk take a ride on the bull after learning to line dance at Billy Bob’s Texas. Max Faulkner Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Aug. 7, 2020: Congressman Roger Williams chats with Pam Minick and Billy Minick, owners of Billy Bob’s Texas, before a press conference to discuss his bill, Save Our Stages, during the pandemic.
Aug. 7, 2020: Congressman Roger Williams chats with Pam Minick and Billy Minick, owners of Billy Bob’s Texas, before a press conference to discuss his bill, Save Our Stages, during the pandemic. Yffy Yossifor Star-Telegram
Marty Travis, general manager of Billy Bob’s Texas, announcing the completion of the renovations on Aug. 17, 2022.
Marty Travis, general manager of Billy Bob’s Texas, announcing the completion of the renovations on Aug. 17, 2022. Brayden Garcia Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Renovations on the main stage at Billy Bob’s Texas in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is complete improving sight lines and enhancing acoustics.
Renovations on the main stage at Billy Bob’s Texas in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is complete improving sight lines and enhancing acoustics. Brayden Garcia Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Billy Bob’s Texas
Billy Bob’s Texas Joyce Marshall jlmarshall@star-telegram

MORE: Check out other historic photo galleries from the Star-Telegram archives here, including these:

This story was originally published October 28, 2022 at 2:10 PM.

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Profile Image of Matt Leclercq
Matt Leclercq
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Matt Leclercq is senior managing editor at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He previously was an editor at USA Today in Washington, national news editor at Gatehouse Media in Austin, and executive editor of The Fayetteville (NC) Observer. He’s a New Orleans native.
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