When you think of country music, you might not immediately think of Louisiana, but you should. The state has produced some of the most influential and best-loved country music artists of all time.
Louisiana’s musicians haven’t limited themselves to just one style, either. They’ve made major contributions to honky-tonk, rockabilly, and gospel music, too.
Here’s a look at some of the most prominent country music singers from Louisiana and how they’ve shaped the genre.
Early Pioneers and the Louisiana Hayride
Louisiana has contributed a lot to the world of country music, and a lot of that has to do with one particular radio program.
The Louisiana Hayride: A Launchpad for Country Stars
The Louisiana Hayride, broadcast out of Shreveport, was second only to the Grand Ole Opry in terms of its importance to emerging country artists. It was on the Hayride that many future stars got their start, including one of the biggest of all time: Elvis Presley.
Jimmie Davis: From Governor to “You Are My Sunshine”
Jimmie Davis had one of the most fascinating careers of any country singer. He not only recorded several country and gospel albums, but he also served two terms as the governor of Louisiana.
Davis is best known for writing and recording “You Are My Sunshine,” which would later be inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and named as one of the Songs of the Century. That’s quite a legacy!
Honky-Tonk Heroes and Heroines
Louisiana’s musical landscape has produced some of country music’s most iconic figures. From chart-topping legends to pioneering women and stars who burned bright and fast, here are a few of the Louisiana natives who helped shape the genre.
Webb Pierce: A Dominant Force in the 1950s
Hailing from West Monroe, Louisiana, Webb Pierce was a chart-topping force in the 1950s, racking up more number one hits than any other country artist of the decade. His signature song, “In The Jailhouse Now,” spent an incredible 37 weeks on the charts in 1955, with 21 of those weeks at number one.
Kitty Wells: Breaking Barriers for Women in Country Music
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, but raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kitty Wells broke down barriers for women in country music, becoming the first female country singer to top the U.S. country charts. She followed up that success with a string of Top 10 hits.
Hank Williams: A Brief but Brilliant Career
While not born in Louisiana, Hank Williams spent a significant part of his career in Shreveport, performing on the Louisiana Hayride radio show. Despite his short life, Williams achieved 11 number one hits between 1948 and 1953, leaving an indelible mark on country music.
The Rockabilly Influence and Later Generations
Louisiana’s musical landscape has also been shaped by the lively sounds of rockabilly, paving the way for later generations of country artists.
Jerry Lee Lewis: The Killer’s Flamboyant Style
With his wild energy and rockabilly sound, Jerry Lee Lewis, nicknamed “The Killer,” was known for his flamboyant stage presence and piano-pounding performances.
Slim Whitman: A Global Country Star
Slim Whitman achieved international fame, reportedly selling over 120 million records. His hit song “Rose Marie” held a Guinness Book of World Records title for the longest time at No. 1 on the UK charts – for 36 years!
Transition to Modern Country: Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, and Trace Adkins
Louisiana continued to produce influential country artists, including Brooks & Dunn, who sold over 30 million albums and won multiple Country Music Association awards. Tim McGraw has sold over 80 million records worldwide. Trace Adkins has also made a significant impact on contemporary country music, with numerous hit songs and albums.
Gospel roots and unique sounds
Louisiana’s music scene is a diverse mix of genres and styles. Here are a few more Louisiana-born country singers who’ve made their mark:
Jimmy Swaggart
Jimmy Swaggart started out as a gospel singer before becoming an internationally known televangelist. His career has been marked by both musical success and public controversies.
Joe Stampley
Joe Stampley was a honky-tonk singer who had crossover appeal, with more than 60 charted records. He had eight singles on the Billboard charts in 1976, and Billboard named him “Single Artist of the Year” that year.
The Cox Family
The Cox Family is a bluegrass gospel group that has won two GRAMMY® awards. Their collaborations with Alison Krauss and Adam Duritz helped boost their career.
Key Takeaways
Louisiana has contributed a remarkable array of talent to the world of country music. From the early pioneers to the contemporary chart-toppers, Louisiana artists have brought a unique blend of sounds and styles to the genre.
The influence of these musicians extends far beyond the bayous and prairies of their home state. Their songs continue to be played on the radio, streamed online, and enjoyed by country music fans of all ages.
Louisiana’s impact on country music is undeniable, solidifying its place as a vital hub for both established stars and up-and-coming artists who are shaping the future of the genre.