Building a Legacy: Angel White

Angel White, from Cleburne, TX, where the rhythms of small town life and the wide open fields were part of him from the start. He came up with his stage name to Angel White, a nod to the "angels" we meet along the way and a tribute to his family’s name.

Growing up, Angel spent countless hours with his grandparents, who became some of the biggest influences in his life. His grandfather, a true cowboy, taught him how to ride horses before he could even reach the stirrups. The time he spent in the saddle with his grandfather shaped the way he sees the world and the life he’s building today.

Q: What does the name Angel White represent to you, and how does it tie into the legacy you’re trying to build?

A: “Angel” comes from exactly that, the angels in life we encounter whether that be physical or supernatural. “White” is the last name of the man who raised me which to me broke the chain and attachment to who wasn’t there allowing me to move forward knowing I’m loved and I can do the same for those that come after me.

Q: How have your grandparents, especially your grandfather, shaped the way you view legacy and purpose?

A: He was a role model to me from his boots to his hat, when I was younger it was merely papa but as the years have gone by I’ve grown to understand he worked hard to leave something behind and we have the hands to keep it going.

Q: In what ways does staying rooted in McKinney influence the kind of mark you want to leave behind?

A: There’s a community here from the cafe waitress to the bartender to the local busker, there’s real support around every corner.

Q: When people look back on your music and your life, what do you hope they remember most?

A: I just want to leave here and they say his smile was big and his heart was bigger. There’s plenty of things that will be done in this life but that’s what I'd like to be remembered for.