Welcome to The Phoenix Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Business Journal wins awards in 2024 Arizona newspapers contest.

• Upcoming Phoenix Suns match

• A deep-dive into the life of Buck Owens

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will."

— Mahatma Gandhi

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the historic theater in downtown Phoenix?

A) The Crescent Ballroom

B) The Van Buren

C) Orpheum Theatre

D) The Phoenix Theatre

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous laboratory located in Phoenix known for its contributions to space exploration and planetary science is D) Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

News

💼Business

Luxury developer unveils north Scottsdale community with $2M+ homes. (Link)

Kevin Durant eyes potential Austin WNBA franchise. (Link)

🏒Sports

Former Phoenix Coyotes star Jeremy Roenick gets emotional in Hall of Fame induction speech. (Link)

ASU women's basketball: Sun Devils have room for improvement after opening week. (Link)

🏦Finance

Business Journal wins awards in 2024 Arizona newspapers contest. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Scottsdale Scorpions at Glendale Desert Dogs
Camelback Ranch, Phoenix
Thursday, Nov. 14th | (More info)

🏀 Orlando Magic at Phoenix Suns
Footprint Center, Phoenix
Monday, Nov. 18th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Leanna Firestone
Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix
Thursday, Nov. 14th (More info)

🎶 Highly Suspect
The Van Buren, Phoenix
Friday, Nov. 15th (More info)

Family

🛍️ Youth Entrepreneurs’ Marketplace & Community Collective Fair
1141 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix
Sunday, Nov. 17th (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Phoenix with wildlife corridors and roaming animals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Phoenix Historical Events

First Mayor of Phoenix (1881) - John T. Alsap becomes the first mayor.

John T. Alsap holds the distinction of being the first Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona, following the city's incorporation in 1881. Prior to this, Alsap had already made significant contributions to the region, having represented Maricopa County during the 8th Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1875. His leadership and public service extended to various roles, including being appointed the first Treasurer of Arizona Territory and serving as a member of the territorial legislature. As the inaugural Mayor of Phoenix, Alsap played a pivotal role in shaping the early governance and development of the city, setting the stage for its future growth and prosperity.

The election of John T. Alsap as the first Mayor of Phoenix marked a significant milestone in the city's history. His leadership, combined with his prior experience in public office, provided a strong foundation for the newly incorporated city. Alsap's contributions to Phoenix were recognized through his election as mayor, and he continued to serve the community with dedication and commitment. His tenure as mayor reflected the pioneering spirit of the city's early leaders, laying the groundwork for Phoenix's emergence as a vibrant and thriving urban center in the years to come.

The incorporation of Phoenix as a city in 1881, with John T. Alsap at its helm as the first Mayor, signaled a new era of governance and progress for the region. Alsap's legacy as a public servant and community leader endures as a testament to his enduring impact on the city's history and development. His leadership during this formative period exemplifies the resilience and vision of those who played a pivotal role in shaping Phoenix's identity as a dynamic and forward-looking municipality.

Famous People From Phoenix

Buck Owens - Pioneering country musician.

Buck Owens, born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr., was a pioneering country musician known for his influential contributions to the country music genre. His career and life story reflect a journey of musical innovation, chart-topping hits, and a lasting impact on the country music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1929-1947)

In 1929, Buck Owens was born in Sherman, Texas, and later moved to Phoenix, Arizona. At the age of 15, he had his own local radio show over a Mesa station and played several dance halls in central Arizona. He also performed gigs with another local Phoenix singer named Marty Robbins, marking the beginning of his musical journey.

Rise to Stardom in Bakersfield (1948-1950)

In 1951, young Buck Owens moved to Bakersfield, California, where he found a thriving country music scene at several honky-tonks. It was in Bakersfield that Owens began to establish himself as a prominent figure in the country music industry, laying the foundation for his future success.

Chart-Topping Hits and Musical Innovations (1950s-1960s)

Owens' musical career took off as he recorded for Warner Bros. Records and established Buck Owens Enterprises, producing records by several artists. He was the lead singer for Buck Owens and the Buckaroos, which had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music chart. His innovative sound and chart-topping hits solidified his status as a trailblazer in the country music genre.

Legacy and Influence in Country Music (1961-1970)

Owens' influence in country music extended beyond his chart-topping hits. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Nashville-based country music establishment and had a complex relationship with fellow country music legend, Merle Haggard. The 1974 death of his longtime musical collaborator, Don Rich, brought about significant changes in Owens' life and musical career.

Musical Innovations and Honors (Throughout Career)

Buck Owens' impact on country music was marked by his persona and red-white-and-blue guitars. He was known for his honky-tonk devil persona and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Remembering Buck Owens (2006 and Beyond)

Buck Owens passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential and innovative figures in country music. His story continues to inspire future generations and his music remains a timeless testament to his enduring impact on the country music industry.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Yannick Lyons

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