#7 Jun 13, 25

How One Woman Helped SAVE Dallas’ Most Legendary Music Venue

Join us on 'Building Dallas' presented by Arrington Roofing as we explore the rich history and revival of the Longhorn Ballroom with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents.

Click here to watch a video of this episode.

Discover the fascinating journey of restoring this iconic Dallas venue, originally built for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in 1950. Learn about the eclectic mix of musicians it has hosted, from BB King to the Sex Pistols, and the efforts to preserve Dallas's cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary needs. Diana shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges encountered, and the vision for Dallas's music scene. Perfect for anyone interested in Dallas history, music, and urban development.

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:39) - Welcome to Building Dallas
(00:43) - Meet Diana Cox
(01:43) - A Day in the Life at Kessler Presents
(02:44) - Reviving the Longhorn Ballroom
(06:36) - The History of the Longhorn Ballroom
(12:02) - The Sex Pistols' Impact
(17:53) - Challenges and Future Plans
(27:27) - Challenges of Renovating Old Buildings
(29:00) - Delegation and Project Management
(31:18) - Journey into the Music Industry
(33:59) - The Longhorn Ballroom's Historical Significance
(38:12) - Celebrating the 75th Jubilee
(39:40) - The Future of Dallas' Music Scene
(42:11) - Supporting Local Artists and Venues
(45:25) - The Unifying Power of Live Music
(53:22) - Concluding Thoughts on Building Dallas

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Chris Arrington

Chris Arrington is the President and Founder of Arrington Roofing. Originally trained as an architect, Chris left the drafting table over 40 years ago to pursue his true passion: building. With a lifetime of experience in construction, development, and roofing, he brings unmatched enthusiasm, depth, and vision to Building Dallas as a co-host. Get ready to go deeper as Chris shares the secret behind his success — a love for people and a relentless focus on the bigger picture.

Host

Reese Arrington

Reese Arrington is a co-host of Building Dallas, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the show. Born and raised in Dallas, Reese's passion for storytelling and community engagement shines through in every episode. With a background in acting and media production, he excels at connecting with guests and drawing out compelling narratives. Reese's commitment to authentic conversations and his deep-rooted love for his hometown make him an integral voice in exploring the people and stories that shape Dallas.

Producer

Chase Arrington

Chase Arrington is the creator and executive producer of Building Dallas and owner of Arrington Media, a subsidiary of The Arrington Group, LLC. A fourth-generation Dallas native, Chase brings his lifelong passion for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership to the show. With a background in filmmaking, music, and corporate media production — and a heart for building authentic connections — he’s driven to create spaces where people can share honest conversations, find meaning, and become their best. Chase is also a proud husband and father of three girls, and a believer in using vision and collaboration to help build a stronger, brighter Dallas for generations to come.