The famed and storied Louisiana Hayride has landed at the Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Festival for 2016! Set to open up the Heritage Stage Friday, September 23, at 7 p.m., the Louisiana Hayride is considered the second most influential program in country music history, behind only The Grand Ole Opry.

 

In its heyday, from 1948 to 1960, the radio and later television show based in Shreveport was known for welcoming young up-and-comers. And although the Hayride started with country music, it soon expanded to include country blues, rockabilly, and even rock and roll.

 

It's where Elvis Presley got his start. The Hayride also provided a home for other music greats like Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, Faron Young, Tex Ritter, and Bob Wills.