Austin — Texas alt-country musician Charlie Crockett has always charted his own course. This week, he once again took to social media to share his thoughts on a current issue, reminding fans of his deep-rooted connections.
Originally from San Benito, Crockett is known for his distinct Americana sound. Recently, he expressed his feelings about the proposed renaming of the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America,” emphasizing his personal connection to the region.
“I was born in the Gulf of Mexico. I wouldn’t know it by any other name,” he wrote. “If you are a true Texan, you know our Mexican American community plays a vital role in our economy across all sectors. I’m proud to hail from the Rio Grande Valley, where over 90 percent of residents are Latino.”
This commentary was a response to President Trump’s executive order aiming to rename the Gulf. The move has ignited numerous discussions about the authority and appropriateness of such changes to geographic names.
Crockett’s post wrapped up with a playful jab at policymakers: “If the folks in Washington want to change a region’s name, they should start with New England, because it’s neither new nor England.”
This isn’t the first time Crockett has tackled controversial subjects. Back in August, he weighed in on the backlash faced by fellow Texan Beyoncé, who received an award for her foray into country music with her album “Cowboy Carter.”
In that post, he began with, “Dear country folks. Beyoncé isn’t causing your issues. Twenty-five years of country living,” and later added, “There’s no need to put down black women to elevate your own music. It’s an embarrassment to the concept of America, and I can’t respect that.”
Earlier this spring, Crockett talked with rising star Noelyn Hoffman during her city tour about their shared experiences and the ever-changing landscape of music. “You know, you can’t be neutral on a moving train. Change is constant,” he pointed out.
