For 41 years, Billy Bob’s Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards has been an institution enjoyed by untold thousands of country music fans, and some of the biggest names in the business. And throughout its history, Star-Telegram photographers have captured everything from Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July concerts to the fun that folks have learning how to line dance at the “world’s largest honky tonk.” Here’s a look back at memorable moments from the Star-Telegram archives, starting with the grand opening on April 1, 1981, through nearly every year until now, as well as some photos provided by Billy Bob’s. How many of these events do you remember?

Read more at:https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article267883027.html

In the center of the historic stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas, there is a place that encapsulates the larger-than-life spirit of the Lone Star State and serves as a haven for fans of country music and Western cowboy culture. That place is the incomparable Billy Bob's Texas -- "The World's Largest Honky Tonk."

Country music is famous for its historic venues where country legends started their careers. In Nashville, Tenn., those hallowed places include Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, and of course, the Ryman Auditorium. In Texas, that place is unequivocally Billy Bob's.

Read more athttps://www.wideopencountry.com/billy-bobs-texas/?fbclid=IwAR1Y1w3Wrkay9iSlBri6fN3It2soWNhNRytSSPni9BhRBkCXMkOgWk_b5OA

  Sure, Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas invented the massive honky-tonk — but Billy Bob's Texas perfected it.  

That may be a bold statement, considering Gilley's has a John Travolta movie about it and all. But "The World's Largest Honky Tonk" up I-45 in the Fort Worth stockyards has become one of America's most treasured venues without the help of the dancing superstar.

Read more at:  https://www.wideopencountry.com/how-billy-bobs-texas-perfected-the-massive-honky-tonk/

Billy Bob Barnett wanted a club that would make Mickey Gilley's joint down in Pasadena look like a dive. And that's what he built.

By Matt Goodman | June 7, 2024|4:54 pm

 Billy Bob’s had only been open for about a year in the Fort Worth Stockyards, a cavernous barn that imagined Texas through dilated pupils: 127,000 square feet, a fourth of which was dedicated to dance floor; a rodeo ring with seating for 500; a souvenir shop; dozens of pool tables; an oyster bar and a pizza parlor; portrait studios; a wall that would gradually fill up with hand imprints from the famous names that played on the 48-by-22 foot stage. 

Read more at: https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1982/march/honkytonk-angel/

It only takes the twang of a guitar string to get in the Nashville country-music mood, the quiver of a lip and an ‘uh‑huh-huh’ to know it’s Elvis, and Aretha need only belt out an ‘R’ at the top of her voice before we can tell we’re about to get a lesson in respect.

https://travelweekly.co.uk/articles/282796/the-us-eight-of-the-best-music-experiences

Billy Bob Barnett, Billy Bob’s Founder, 1946 – Billy Bob Barnett is the founder of Billy Bob’s Texas. On April 1, 1981, Mr. Barnett took what was originally a cattle barn, an airplane manufacturing plant and a department store, and opened what is now internationally known as “The World’s Largest Honky-Tonk.”

https://texastrailoffame.org/inductees/billy-bob-barnett/

For North Texan music lovers, a trip to Billy Bob's is a rite of passage. A historic tourist stop by day, the self-proclaimed World's Largest Honky Tonk transforms nightly into a top Texas concert venue, attracting some of the most acclaimed country music and rock 'n roll acts of all time.

https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/2016/11/04/8-reasons-billy-bob-s-texas-is-a-legendary-honky-tonk/

It's the largest honky tonk in the world and on April 1, Billy Bob's Texas in the Fort Worth Stockyards will celebrate 38 years in business.

"Everyone wanted to be Bud and Sissy from 'Urban Cowboy' and everyone wanted to be J.R. Ewing and oil, gas, cattle, real estate went up and Billy Bob capitalized on it," said General Manager Marty Travis.

https://www.kxxv.com/story/39945633/texas-voices-billy-bobs-texas#:~:text=Billy%20Bob's%20Texas%20was%20born,Gilley's%20had%20a%20mechanical%20bull.

The reality is: people love Billy Bob’s. And even if country music isn’t your thing, it’s hard to ignore the history that’s passed through those swinging doors.

So let’s open up the vault and take a look at 10 moments that made Billy Bob’s a Texas institution. All photos are courtesy of Billy Bob’s.

https://txmusic.com/billy-bobs-top-10-moments/

Billy Bob Barnett, left, a former pro football player who owns Fort Worth nightclub "Billy Bob's Texas" and country music star George Jones are all smiles as they discuss their new management agreement in Nashville July 27, 1981. Jones said he plans to move to Fort Worth in about a week and hopes to get a fresh start after years of financial woes, struggles with a drinking problem and highly publicized personal problems.

FRANK EMPSON / THE TENNESSEAN