Al Dressen

On July 22nd, we bid a heartfelt farewell to a cherished family member, an Austin musical legend, affectionately known to many as 'Ol' Al, and lovingly referred to as Dad and Popo by his family. His presence in our lives brought boundless joy, laughter, and the timeless melodies of Western Swing that will forever echo in our hearts.

Born on January 1, 1950, in Lockhart, Texas, Al's love for music and dance flourished from a young age, nurtured by his parents, Richard and Leona Dressen, who were devoted ranchers and ardent dancers. Their passion for the land and the joy of movement left an indelible mark on Al, shaping his zest for life and the arts.

During his youth, Al attended Del Valle High School, where he met the love of his life, Lois Lynn. Their connection was instantaneous, and they embarked on a journey of love and togetherness that spanned decades. United by their shared passion for dancing, music, and the wonders of life, they became inseparable companions. In high school Al had a rock band named the “One Way Streets” and played lead guitar.

After high school, Al and Lois attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. Al graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. He went on in later years to obtain teacher certification in Social Studies. The university provided the perfect foundation for their dreams and love, solidifying their bond and setting the stage for a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and the joy of music and dance. During his twenties Al took steel guitar lessons and then formed the “Al Dressen and the Sunset Riders”, playing in many dance halls across central Texas.

Together, they built a loving family and were blessed with two children, Jessica Brooke and Justin Alan. As a devoted father, Al instilled in his children the values of family, music, and the beauty of the natural world, fostering a close-knit bond that would endure throughout their lives. The passing of Lois in 2008 was a profound loss, yet Al's love for her remained unwavering, guiding him through the years that followed. In time, he found companionship with Sara, and together, they embraced a shared love for travel, camping, and hiking, deepening their connection to each other and the world around them.

Popo's love and warmth extended to his six grandchildren, Sydney, Madison, Jenna, Chance, Promise, and Jacob, each holding a special place in his heart. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories that will forever be treasured. He also took great pride in witnessing the remarkable growth of his grandchildren, and the strong family bonds they all shared. Al’s affection wasn't limited to his grandchildren alone; he also held a deep love and appreciation for his son-in-law, Walter, and his daughter-in-law, Emily, who brought joy and love into the family circle.

Inspired by the legendary "Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys," Al found his calling in Western Swing music—a genre that fused country, jazz, and blues, resonating deeply with his soul. Leading the “Al Dressen’s Super Swing Revue”, Al and his bandmates embarked on a musical journey that continued for decades, with their first gig at the Broken Spoke Dance Hall in July of 1982. Much like bands in the 1930’s Al originally had “Sausage” in the band’s name. Al pushed his sausage business for the first two years as they got very popular all over Texas. Sometimes playing over 100 times per year. His passion and dedication to Western Swing earned him a well-deserved induction into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Al's love for music extended beyond the stage as he organized a Western Swing Music Festival, providing musicians a platform to showcase their artistry and delighting countless fans of the genre. His dedication to spreading the joy of Western Swing extended to the airwaves. As the host of the weekly radio show "Stars Over Austin" at the Austin Opry House, he shared captivating Western Swing melodies and tales of the genre's rich history, captivating listeners from near and far. His next musical move was a part of the group “The Harmony Brothers” doing songs from their younger years.

Outside of his musical endeavors, Al was a dedicated High School educator and a devoted soccer coach during his middle years. His love for teaching and mentoring young minds left an impact on his students and players, instilling in them a love for learning that extended beyond the classroom. Al won Coach of the Year while at New Braunfels High School.

In all aspects of his life, Al's love for music, dance, cooking, gardening, and exploration remained an integral part of his journey. His infectious joy touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, leaving behind a profound and lasting legacy.

A celebration of Al’s life, musical journey, and extraordinary contributions to Western Swing will be held on Wednesday, August 9th at 5:30 pm at the Broken Spoke Dance Hall. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his music, love, and companionship are invited to join together to honor this remarkable man.

Rest in harmony, dear Ol’ Al. May your soul find eternal peace, and may your music continue to inspire and bring joy to all who hear it. Your love for Western Swing, the ranching heritage, cooking, gardening, and the spirit of exploration will forever be etched in our hearts. You can find his album "Beautiful Texas" on Apple Music.