Dan Strait, a pillar of the Austin music community, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1925. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he moved to Houston, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Irene Wilcox. They married in 1951 and had four children. In 1963, the Strait family relocated to Austin and established Strait Music Company. Dan's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for music led the company to grow into a thriving business, supporting countless musicians and becoming a beloved institution in the city.
Known for his generosity and unwavering support of local artists, Dan was a mentor to many aspiring musicians. His philosophy was expressed in the motto that his store was “where customers become friends.”
Beyond his business ventures, Dan was deeply involved in the Austin community, advocating for the arts and culture. His contributions were recognized in 2003 when he was honored by the City of Austin for his dedication to music and the community.
Through Strait Music, Dan provided a lifeline for many musicians, offering flexible employment options and prioritizing instrument repairs to ensure that artists were always gig-ready. The company's commitment to supporting musicians was evident in the personal relationships formed with its customers.
Dan's generosity extended to musicians of all genres. He played a crucial role in launching the careers of many young talents, including providing a bass to young James Polk, enabling him to join Lionel Hampton's tour in 1967. In 1973, he showed incredible faith in a young entrepreneur, allowing him to walk out of the store with two PA systems on trust alone. This act of trust enabled countless jazz groups to get started.
Austin jazz great Tony Campise’s last conversation was at Strait Music, the morning he drove to play the Texas Jazz Festival. He arrived before the store opened to buy some reeds and have some minor work done on his horn. After his accident, when he was no longer able to speak, Dan Strait was one of Tony’s most frequent visitors. Dan Strait lived his store's motto.
Dan Strait's legacy lives on through his family and the enduring success of Strait Music Company. His unwavering support for musicians and his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all made him a beloved figure in the Austin music scene.