Louis Jay Meyers (June 21, 1955 – March 11, 2016) was an American festival organizer, musician and producer whose career was closely tied to the rise of Austin's contemporary music scene. He is best known as a co‑founder and the primary music booker of the South by Southwest festival and conference, an event that helped bring national attention to independent artists and the Austin music community. Meyers combined practical event skills with a musician’s sensibility, shaping early lineups and industry relationships that contributed to the festival’s growth.

Early life and musical background

Meyers was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and remained associated with the city throughout his life. He performed as a multi‑instrumentalist and worked in production roles, giving him firsthand experience of the needs and challenges facing working musicians. That background informed his curatorial approach: he sought to create festival opportunities that showcased diverse styles and helped artists reach industry professionals and wider audiences. His musical experience also influenced the taste and structure of programming during the event’s formative years.

South by Southwest and festival work

In the mid‑1980s Meyers was among the organizers who launched South by Southwest (SXSW), a hybrid conference and festival that debuted in 1987. As the event’s primary music booker in its early years, he was responsible for selecting performers, building relationships with venues and helping craft the festival’s identity as a place for discovery. He remained involved in SXSW until selling his stake in the organization after the 1994 conference. His role during that period is frequently cited as instrumental in establishing the festival’s reputation for championing emerging artists.

Later career and Folk Alliance International

After his time with SXSW, Meyers continued to work in music and event production. From 2005 to 2013 he served as executive director of Folk Alliance International, a nonprofit organization that supports folk and traditional music communities through conferences, advocacy and networking. In that role he brought his experience as a festival organizer to an organization focused on developing artist careers and fostering professional connections within a specialized genre.

Legacy and passing

Meyers is remembered for helping to create one of the United States’ most influential music events and for his longtime commitment to the Austin scene. He died in March 2016 at age 60 after a brief illness; he was hospitalized on March 10 and initially treated for blood clots before dying the following day of a suspected heart attack. Tributes from artists and industry peers highlighted his role as a connector, curator and advocate for musicians.

Selected contributions

  • Co‑founding and shaping the music programming of South by Southwest in its early years.
  • Serving as a multi‑instrumentalist and record producer, contributing artist perspective to event curation.
  • Leading Folk Alliance International as executive director, focusing on support for folk musicians and industry networking.

For more context on his career and the organizations he served, see sources linked here: festival organizer profile, Austin, Texas background, and musician and producer.