The Prophet Bar

The Prophet Bar opened in 1985, spearheading an unforgettable art and music scene. Russell Hobbs’ vision for the Theatre Gallery was to make and promote art, music and theatre in its purest form whether it was profitable or not. As the hub of a buzzing scene, The Prophet Bar enabled the Theatre Gallery financially. Dallas has always been searching for its identity, to be more than a trading post on the Trinity River. So what if JFK died here, so what if JR lied here, and so what if Jerry Jones wins another Super Bowl. In a city obsessed with status toys, trophy wives, and designer drugs, The Prophet Bar stirred up Dallas and made waves by challenging its belief systems with controversial booking, provocative advertising, and promoting a counter-culture of seekers. Russell’s message to seek truth, be real, and leave the cloning at the mall behind resonated with Dallas and multitudes converged upon Deep Ellum. The Prophet Bar became the epitome of a movement, much like the 60’s, where a generation was saying, “There must be more”. The Prophet challenged the city with music, theatre and special events transcending the traditional bar scene. Many bands got their start at The Prophet Bar and have gone on to great success. Russell named Reverend Horton Heat, hosted The New Bohemians, TimBuk3, Mo Jo Nixon, Screaming Jay Hawkins, the True Believers, the Smithereens, and many more.