Representative, philanthropist, and "West Texas sound" champions

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Elmer Tarbox
1916-1987

Elmer L. Tarbox was a Lubbock state representative, World War II veteran, businessman, inventor, and philanthropist. He graduated from Texas Tech in 1939 and was active in football, basketball, and track programs.

During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India theater with the famed “Flying Tigers” Squadron.

After his military service, Tarbox served as state representative for the 76th District, from 1966 to 1976 and helped establish the schools of law and medicine at Texas Tech University. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he founded the Tarbox Parkinson’s Disease Institute in 1972 at the Texas Tech Medical School.

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Don Caldwell / 1945-present
Tommy Hancock / 1929-present
C.B. Stubblefield / 1931-1995

These three men, though widely varied in background and profession, are given collective credit for the survival of music’s “West Texas sound.”

Caldwell, a musician specializing on saxophone, more frequently is recognized for his development of local talent and providing a venue in which they could perform. He’s the general manger of the Cactus Theater in the Depot District.

Tommy Hancock is often acknowledged as the Godfather of West Texas music. He put together a popular swing band, The Roadside Playboys, and eked out a living in the rough and tumble honky tonk culture of West Texas.

C.B. Stubblefield opened Stubb’s Bar-B-Q in Lubbock in 1968. His special blend of barbecue, music, and charisma attracted local and major musicians to his rickety barbecue shack on East Broadway. Many blues and country stars performed at Stubb’s.

Previous City's Most Influential:

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• Chamber chief, priest had long effects on city
• UMC's leader; two Wilsons made impact
• A lawmaker, and a feeder of the poor
• Families make their marks in music, business
• Lubbock men spent lives serving others
• Banker, jurist make their marks on city
• Champions of health care, education
• An aviation pioneer, ag businessman
• A diplomat, Tech's first president
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• GOP leader; Milam made a difference
• First female mayor; early cattleman
• An example of change; tornado leader
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• They built this city with a lot of work
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