James White has seen plenty of stars come in and out of the Broken Spoke.
"The first big star I had here was Bob Wills. He was a big star. My whole family listened to him. Everybody knew who Bob Wills was," White said.
The talent has changed over the last four decades. Not much else has.
"This is real Texas. We're no phony baloney," White said.
The Broken Spoke has received lots of honors in its 40 years, often being called the best dance hall in the nation. It's even been ranked as the No. 1 place to bring visitors to Austin. The Capitol is ranked third.
"When I opened up here, it was like a neighborhood bar. Then people started coming from all over Texas and then the world," White said.
Some patrons have been here with James since the beginning.
"I think people miss out if they don't come to the Broken Spoke. It's a part of Austin," patron Patrick Liddy said.
It's a part of Austin customers and owners plan on keeping around for a while.
"This is a heartwarming experience. Hopefully I'll be right here talking to you celebrating out 50th anniversary at the Broken Spoke," White said.
The Broken Spoke is at 3201 South Lamar. Call (512) 442-6189 for more information about Wednesday's 40th anniversary celebration.