Alex "Snook" Jones interview (1988)

Alex "Snook" Jones interview and music
1988 January 28
by Monty Brown (Shreveport, Louisiana)

Jones describes his time as a musician in Shreveport, Louisiana, and provides examples of his piano playing.  On one song, he is joined by singer Iteria Cooper Mays.

His reflections on the Shreveport music scene include stories about Eddie "Coot" Lewis, Oscar "Buddy" Woods, Major Lampkins, Nat Rogers, "Country Jim" James Bledsoe, Banny Price, Jesse Thomas, Stan Lewis, Ace Lewis, the Travis Street Bar, Palace Park, and the Star Theater.

Jones identifies the musicians on "For My Worst" b/w "Mean Old Greyhound" (Blue Boy 1001, circa 1965) recorded at Brians Recording Studio (Tyler, Texas) as follows: Alex "Snook" Jones (vocals and piano), Scott Butler (saxophone), James Davis (saxophone), Earl Tims (saxophone), Sammy Johnson (trumpet), Roosevelt Shields (trumpet), Jimmy Tyson (guitar), Lewis?/Louis? (bass), Eddie "Coot" Lewis (drums).

Listen online:
https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/alex-snook-jones-interview-1988/


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Track listing:

[00:00:00-00:03:00] ALEX "SNOOK" JONES - For My Worst (Blue Boy 1001, circa 1965)

[00:03:00-00:05:55] ALEX "SNOOK" JONES - Mean Old Greyhound (Blue Boy 1001, circa 1965)

[00:05:55-00:08:15] JOHNNY GOSEY accomp: ALEX JONES & NITE HAWKS - I Lost My Baby ('Cause I Can't Rock And Roll) (MOA 1001, 1959)

[00:08:15-00:10:55] JOHNNY GOSEY accomp: ALEX JONES & NITE HAWKS - Fools Will Take Chances (MOA 1001, 1959)

ALEX "SNOOK" JONES interview by Monty Brown (1988 January 24)

[00:10:55-00:53:45] interview

[00:53:45-01:07:50] Alex "Snook" Jones on piano

[01:07:50-01:13:15] Alex "Snook" Jones on piano, Iteria Cooper Mays on vocals

[01:13:15-01:30:22] interview

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SHREVEPORT (1931-2000)

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SHREVEPORT (1931-2000)

Compiled in December 2016, liner notes revised September 2019.

Sacred songs recorded in Shreveport, sacred songs by Shreveporters, sacred songs on Shreveport record labels.

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/the-gospel-according-to-shreveport-1931-2000/

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1 LEADBELLY Hallelujah (1940)
Raised in and now resting at Shiloh Baptist Church (Mooringsport, La.). The “King of the Twelve-String Guitar”...acapella.

2 JIMMIE DAVIS Down At The Old Country Church (Victor 23628, 1931)
“When the Saints Go Marching In” + recitation + Jimmie Davis falsetto + memorable guitar playing by Ed “Dizzy Head” Schaffer.

3 HANK WILLIAMS, KITTY WELLS, AND JOHNNIE WRIGHT Dear Brother (1948)
While employed by KWKH radio station and the Louisiana Hayride, three musicians collaborated on this demo recording.  Later, Hank and Audrey Williams recorded a version.

4 REV. UTAH SMITH AND CONGREGATION Glory To Jesus I'm Free (Two Wing Temple, 1947)
Raised in the Cedar Grove neighborhood, and buried at Carver Memorial Cemetery.  A raucous recording with his New Orleans congregation.

5 THE BAILES BROTHERS I Need The Prayers (circa 1948)
From their morning radio show on KWKH.  Upcoming performances at Shreveport’s Municipal Memorial Auditorium and nearby high schools.

6 THE WILBURN FAMILY Will You Be Ready (To Wear A Golden Crown) (4 Star 1522, 1950)
Regulars on Shreveport’s radio airwaves from 1949 to 1951.  First employed by KTBS, then KWKH and the Louisiana Hayride.

7 WILLIE CASTON AND THE EVER READY GOSPEL SINGERS One Of These Mornings (Abbott 158, 1954)
Perhaps Shreveport’s longest-running gospel group (mid-1940s to mid-2000s).  Lead vocal by Robert Broussard.

8 JACKSON GOSPEL SINGERS Old Ship Of Zion (Jackson Gospel Singers 103, circa 1955)
From 1945 to 1957, Rev. Anderson Samuel Jackson Jr. pastored Mount Canaan Baptist Church.  Around this time, he also hosted a radio show on KENT and released this record.

9 MARY EVELYN KENNEDY Dear Jesus, Abide With Me (Grace Tabernacle 258, circa 1965)
A girl and an accordion.  Recorded at Grace Tabernacle.

10 SPIRITUAL HARMONIZERS Meet Me In The City (Custom Sound 141, circa 1970)
Lead vocal by Rev. Arlandus Green.  Group from Minden, La.

11 THE AMBASSADORS, SHREVEPORT, LA. It's Me (Hosanna 1002, circa 1970)
Written by member Tommie Nash.  Group also known as the Mighty Ambassadors.

12 BELLS OF TONE Come And Go With Me (Custom Sound 156, circa 1970)
Lead vocal by George Bridges.

13 HUMMINGBEES Bleeding Heart (Memorial 1-11, 1973)
Lead vocal by Eddie Bennett.

14 DOROTHY WHITEHEAD Jesus, Just Jesus (Hy Sign 711, 1973)
Powerful song by this mystery screamer.

15 FIVE GOSPLE WRITERS This World Is Drunk (Memorial 1-22, 1974)
Written and lead vocal by Herbert Campbell.  Lyrics address: drinking, Daniel in the lions’ den, dope peddling, and streaking.  From Bastrop, La.

16 FIVE ECHO'S OF HARMONY OF SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA Fix Me Jesus (BLB 1202, circa 1975)
Written by member Ed Fleming.  Released by Brady L. Blade Sr.

17 ROCKS OF HARMONY OF SHREVEPORT, LA. In The Care Of The Lord (Hosanna 8032, circa 1975)
Written by member J. Reed.

18 ESSIE LEE HAYES I'm Working For The Lord (Custom Sound 180, circa 1975)
Written and sung by Essie Lee Hayes. Recorded at Sound City Studios.

19 BRO. ELIE TAYLOR, JR. Stay With Me Jesus (DRP 3607, circa 1980)
“The Man With The Organ.” “The Fantastic Gospel Warrior” from Minden, La.

20 THE SENSATIONAL JONES SINGERS All He Was Doing (Kingdom 94-52, circa 1980)
Gospel funk punctuated with keyboards.

21 THE MOORE SINGERS Lord I Tried (Custom Sound 344, circa 1980)
Written by Iugustus Moore Jr.  Recorded at Southern Star Studios.

22 REVEREND JOE BATTLE AND “THE GOSPEL EXPLOSION” When The Saints Go Marching In (Custom Sound 304, circa 1980)
Rev. Battle plays organ on this recording from Southern Star Studios.

23 THE IMPERIAL GOSPEL SINGERS The Lord Will Make Away (Custom Sound 351, circa 1980)
Recorded at Southern Star Studios.

24 SPIRITUAL TRAVELERS You Better Change Your Ways (Custom Sound 357, circa 1980)
Written and lead vocals by James Jones.  Recorded at Southern Star Studios.

25 ARTEE L. PHILYAW Life Must Go On With Me (Gospel Sound’s Recording Co., 2000)
“Mr. Gospel Explosion” sang with the Echoes of Zion in the 1940s, worked as a radio announcer on KANB and KIOU, and released his own recordings.  Since 2008, life has been going on without Philyaw.

SHREVEPORT, WHERE LOVE NEVER DIES: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1928-1980)

SHREVEPORT, WHERE LOVE NEVER DIES: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1928-1980)

Compiled in December 2014, liner notes revised July 2019.

Songs about Shreveport, songs recorded in Shreveport, songs by Shreveporters, songs on Shreveport record labels.

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/10-shreveport-where-love-never-dies-our-citys-songs-1928-1980/


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1 JIMMIE DAVIS The Davis Limited (Victor 23601, 1931)
Shreveport -- where polecats smell like perfume. Shreveport -- where policemen portray guitar-playing hobos in song (thanks to Buddy Jones). Shreveport -- where the clerk of the criminal division of the city court moonlights as a country singer and grows up to be Louisiana governor (none other than Jimmie Davis).

2 DOUGLAS WILLIAMS FOUR Kind Daddy (Victor 21695, 1928)
Clarinetist DW performed in Shreveport’s early jazz orchestras: Happy Eagle Orchestra (1914), Echo Orchestra (1914-1915), and Frank Neal and his DeLuxe Jazz Orchestra (1923). While residing in Memphis during the late 1920s, he recorded a dozen records issued on Victor.

3 JAP MAGEE AND BANJO Barrel House Blues (Brunswick 4267, 1928)
Banjoist JM was connected to Shreveport’s KWKH in the early 1930s according to the radio station’s business records. A few years earlier, Magee performed in bands based out of South Texas cities such as Brownsville and Bay City. He recorded this song, taken from his only record, at a session in Dallas, Texas.

4 LEAD BELLY Mister Tom Hughes' Town (Library of Congress 121, 1934)
This song relates the formative experience of Huddie Ledbetter visiting Shreveport’s red light district (St. Paul’s Bottoms neighborhood) against his mother’s wishes. Over the years, he recorded it nearly a dozen times with slight variations on the lyrics and title. This earliest recording contains a few risqué lyrics omitted from subsequent recordings of the song. John Lomax made this recording for the Library of Congress while Lead Belly served time at the Louisiana state penitentiary in Angola.

5 DICK HART I'll Do As I Cotton Pickin' Please (1946)
Born a few miles south of Shreveport in the Forbing community, DH adopted the life of an itinerant country music radio performer as a teenager. This included stints on Shreveport’s KWKH. At the time of this homemade recording, he worked at KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas.

6 HOT ROD HAPPY Worried Blues (Pacemaker 1014, circa 1950)
Blues guitarist James Bledsoe (aka Country Jim, aka Hot Rod Happy) also made recordings for the Imperial and Specialty record labels. This song appears on his only record released by a Shreveport label -- Pacemaker -- which primarily focused on country music.

7 NORMAN NETTLES I've Got The Right Key Baby (But I Can't Get In) (Delta 100, 1954)
During the 1930s and 1940s, NN played guitar for his brother’s group, Bill Nettles and his Dixie Blue Boys, who performed over KWKH radio station. In the 1950s, Norman led his own band, NN and the Blue Mountain Boys. This song, from their second record, appeared on the first (and perhaps only) release on the local Delta label.

8 HOOT & CURLEY You Get What You Pay For (Starday 195, 1955)
Originally members of Slim Whitman’s band, steel guitarist Thomas Houston “Hoot” Rains and guitarist Cornell “Curley” Herndon branched off as a duo. They regularly appeared on the Louisiana Hayride and recorded a handful of singles.

9 PETE HARDIN Baby Be My Chicadee (Peach 748, 1959)
Although this song features prominent piano, PH was known as a fiddle player...as well as a barber and local nightclub owner (Skyway Club, House of Blue Lights, Pete ‘n’ Peaches Club). He released a few records featuring his own music such as this song written by his wife Peaches.

10 EVER-READY GOSPEL SINGERS All My Sins (Peacock 1802, 1959)
Formed in 1946, the ERGS recording tenure spanned 1950 to 1997. The record containing this song marks the largest label they recorded for -- Peacock Records in Houston, Texas. Lead vocals provided by Robert Broussard.

11 MERLE KILGORE I Take A Trip To The Moon (D 1042, 1959)
Shreveport native and Byrd High School graduate MK is especially remembered as the writer of songs popularized by other musicians -- Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” and Claude King’s “Wolverton Mountain.” His solo recordings include this one with a co-writer’s credit for record store owner Stan Lewis.

12 DOUG DAVIDSON Star (Of My Teenage Dream) (MOA 1003, circa 1960)
DD recorded two singles for the local label, Music of America. Backup vocals provided by sisters Margaret and Rose Lewis. Davidson had a lengthy career in Shreveport radio and television.

13 BLUES KINGS Half-Baked (K-Dee 1000, circa 1960)
The few bits of known information are as follows: Maurice Varnado (arranger), Dale Hawkins (producer and songwriter credit), Bossier Music Company (publisher).

14 JOE STAMPLEY Teenage Picnic (Chess 1798, 1961)
Before he joined The Uniques, JS recorded this track for his second solo record. Local record store owner Stan Lewis appears listed as co-writer of this song. His friendship with record label owner Leonard Chess of Chicago led to this release.

15 WOLFMAN JACK AND THE RHYTHM KINGS Yea Yea Yea (UBC Productions, 1963)
In 1962, disc jockey Robert Weston Smith took a job at local radio station KCIJ. While working there, he developed his Wolfman Jack persona. This live recording finds him on stage at the Peppermint Lounge in Bossier City.

16 TRACY TYLER Bossier City (Manco 1073, 1964)
Across the Red River from Shreveport, Bossier City was once known for its nightclubs on the Bossier Strip located on Highway 80. According to this song’s protagonist, he lost his woman there.

17 NOEL ODOM & THE GROUP Come on Down to Earth (Tower 441, 1968)
Regulars on the local 1960s teen dance and nightclub circuits, this band released three 45s. Trivia: An overdubbed guitar solo replaces Ron DiIulio’s original organ solo; however, the vocalist still introduces the solo by yelling “Alright, Ron, organ!”

18 GENE & ROBBIN The Angels Are Crying (Travis 50, circa 1970)
Based on other releases from the local record label Travis, this duo may have been connected to the Keithville Jamboree, a live music show operating a few miles south of Shreveport. This record was produced by George Armstrong, who played drums and served as host of the Jamboree.

19 JOHNNY BULLOCK & THE JAMBOREE SHOWBOYS Note Tripping (Travis 51, circa 1970)
Like the previous song, another record released on Travis. Keyboardist Johnny Bullock continues to perform for local audiences.

20 GAY POPPA Gay Poppa’s Cha Cha (Custom Sound 1007, circa 1970)
When you ask Shreveporters about KOKA disc jockey Sunrose Rutledge (aka Gay Poppa), some people shout “Gay Poppa Cha Cha!” From his only record, here’s the song that cemented those memories.

21 ABRAHAM AND THE CASONOVAS Kangaroo I & II (Peermont 1057, 1971)
Abraham Ester recorded over half a dozen r&b/soul/funk 45s for local record labels run by Dee Marais. After this record’s initial release on Peermont, it received wider exposure thanks to a licensing deal re-releasing it on Wand Records from New York.

22 DOROTHY WHITEHEAD Rain, Rain, Rain (Hy Sign 711, 1973)
Gospel shouter DW relays the story of Noah. Produced, published, and released by Harding Guyon Desmarais (aka Dee Marais, who ran the Bayou Record Shop on 70th Street and co-founded Murco Records). P.S. Watch out for the creepin’ things.

23 UPC TRIO Baptized In His Name (UPC, circa 1980)
Members of the New Testament United Pentecostal Church in Shreveport make up this music group. The label on the record identifies them as Sister Lucy Frazier (alto), Helen Hunt (soprano), and Luella P. Taylor (soloist).

24 RAY BARTLETT Stan's Record Revue radio segment (December 1951)
RB moved to Shreveport in 1947 to work as a disc jockey for KWKH. There he developed his jive-talking “Groovie Boy” persona and played the latest blues and gospel records. One of the radio shows he hosted involved advertising records available for mail order from Stan Lewis. Just remember late folks, “This is not one big hit record and four records that you never heard of before in your life.”

SHREVEPORT AMBASSADORS: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1928-1980)

SHREVEPORT AMBASSADORS: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1928-1980)

Compiled in December 2013, liner notes revised June 2019.

Songs about Shreveport, songs recorded in Shreveport, songs by Shreveporters, songs on Shreveport record labels.

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/9-shreveport-ambassadors-our-citys-songs-1928-1980/

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1 GRÉGOIRE NAKCHOUNIAN AND HIS RUSSIAN NORTH STAR ORCHESTRA Schreeveport Stomp (Vox H10269E, circa 1928)
A group of Russian musicians move to Paris, tour and record in the Netherlands, then a German record label releases the music. The spelling of this Jelly Roll Morton classic was apparently lost in translation.

2 NOAH MOORE I Done Tole You (1940)
Moore resided in nearby Oil City and was the cousin of Lead Belly. John and Ruby Lomax recorded this song (plus the impromptu train noises) for the Library of Congress.

3 SLEEPY JEFFERS You Turned A Good Man Down (Pacemaker 1007, circa 1950)
Originally from West Virginia, itinerant musician SJ found his way to town and hosted a radio show on KTBS during 1950. Pacemaker (a Shreveport record label run by Horace Logan and Webb Pierce) released this song written by Cliff and Tex Grimsley.

4 HILLBILLY EVANS Since You're Gone (circa 1958)
“Hillbilly” Dean Evans hosted a radio show on KCIJ from 1958 to 1960. This song appears on a demonstration acetate disc with a label indicating it was recorded at KCIJ.

5 DONNIE RAY WHITE Hey Pretty Baby (1957)
Friends with Dale Hawkins and his crew of musicians, DRW only recorded a couple demo songs. Here's one with Hawkins on rhythm guitar.

6 DAVID HOUSTON One & Only (1957)
In 1956 and 1957, DH frequently appeared on the Louisiana Hayride -- the source of this live recording. His spoken introduction to this song contains a reference to Carnival Rock, the movie in which he and his band (featuring James Burton) performed this song.

7 JOHNNY HARRIS Ripsaw (Wanted 711, 1962)
Written by JH and record store owner Dee Marais, Ripsaw's harmonica-drenched craziness relates the story of a hunting trip gone wrong. Fireman JH made a few appearances on the Louisiana Hayride in 1960.

8 JESSE THOMAS My Baby (Red River 78996, 1963)
JT returned to Shreveport from California in the late 1950s. In the early 1960s, he began releasing records on his own label, Red River. Dee Marais handled the publishing on this 45.

9 THE FIVE SOUNDS Clumsy Dragon (Lakeside 2001, circa 1965)
According to the label credits for this instrumental -- which takes full advantage of novelty guitar effects -- Stan Lewis handled the publishing. Other records by this band suggest they may have been from Arkansas.

10 JIMMY "PREACHER" ELLIE I'm Gonna Do It By Myself (Jewel 770, 1966)
This song was written and produced by former Shreveporter Ferdinand "Fats" Washington. After moving, he still maintained ties to Stan Lewis, who released this on Jewel. They misspelled West Coast singer Jimmy Ellis's name on the label.

11 DANNY & JERRY Connection (Ronn 12, 1967)
Local duo Danny Wilder and Jerry Beach had three 45s released on Stan Lewis's Ronn record label in the late 1960s. Each featured a cover version of a rock song from that era, such as this one originally by the Rolling Stones.

12 MARGARET LEWIS Kangaroo of Love (SSS International 704, 1967)
The teamwork of three locals (ML plus Mira Smith and Shelby Singleton) who relocated to Nashville yielded this unique insult song. "May the kangaroo of love kick your face!"

13 MARION ESTER Victim Of Circumstance (Murco 1047, 1968)
Abraham and Marion Ester (and the Casanovas) had a few records on local label Murco. However, this is the only one to list Marion as the primary artist.

14 THE MIGHTY AMBASSADOR'S OF SHREVEPORT, LA. Sweet Home (Judnell 103, 1969)
This local gospel group included vocalists Tommy Nash and John Pettaway. Houston disc jockey George Nelson operated the record label responsible for this release.

15 GENE WYATT & DAWN GLASS Go Together (Paula 1224, 1970)
Though from different generations, the musical trajectory of these two locals was similar - sometimes rock and roll, sometimes country. The call and response lyrics offer some unusual pairings.

16 THE GENIES No News Is Bad News (Ronn 56, 1971)
A song written by Jerry Strickland and Bobby Patterson, arranged and produced by Patterson, and recorded at Sound City Studios on Line Avenue. Who were The Genies?

17 CURLY DAVIS & THE UNIQUES Black Cobra Part I & II (Custom Sound 148, circa 1973)
Newspaper articles for Shreveport's NAACP Soul Festival held at the Municipal Auditorium in 1969 indicate CD's band performed. The history of this group waits to be uncovered.

18 BOBBY DEAN OF THE TEAR DROPS Dreaming My Life Away (Custom Sound 165, circa 1975)
Clues suggest this amateur teen ballad was recorded two decades after this style of music ruled the charts. Bobby Dean: genre preservationist. Publishing handled by Stan Lewis.

19 REVEREND JOE BATTLE AND "THE GOSPEL EXPLOSION" Shout (Custom Sound 304, circa 1975)
This impassioned gospel workout stretches long enough to include a roll call and solos by each of the musicians. Rev. Battle plays organ and sings on this recording from Southern Star Studio.

20 ESSIE LEE HAYES God Truly Healed My Body (Custom Sound 180, 1975)
Sister Hayes relates this story of her misery and subsequent healing in 1972. Recorded at Sound City Studios.

21 KING Fashion (SS-369, circa 1980)
The album containing this song sounds like a compilation of meandering rehearsal tapes by five different bands. Nevertheless, all the recordings apparently somehow relate to the involvement of one individual who went by the pseudonym King. Here’s his rendition of a David Bowie song.

22 RONALD COYNE Plastic Eye Miracle (Ronald Coyne Revivals, circa 1970)
RC, a one-eyed evangelist from Oklahoma, delivered a rousing service at Shreveport's Convention Hall. This excerpt from his album "When God Smiled On Ronald Coyne" contains highlights of his talk, blindfolded reading, and faith healing.

SHREVEPORT, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE THIS TOWN: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1934-1986)

SHREVEPORT, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE THIS TOWN: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1934-1986)
Compiled in December 2012, liner notes revised May 2019.

Songs about Shreveport, songs recorded in Shreveport, songs by Shreveporters, songs on Shreveport record labels.

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/8-shreveport-theres-no-place-like-this-town-our-citys-songs-1934-1986/


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1 BUDDY WOODS WITH THE WAMPUS CATS Don't Sell It (Don't Give It Away) (Vocalion 3906, 1937)
The last commercial recording sessions by Shreveport's enigmatic blues guitarist Oscar "Buddy" Woods finds him paired with the equally mysterious Wampus Cats.

2 SIN-KILLER GRIFFIN AND CONGREGATION Wasn't That A Mighty Storm (Library of Congress AAFS 48, 1934)
Born in Caddo Parish in 1863, traveling evangelist John L. "Sin-Killer" Griffin became most well known for conducting religious revivals around Dallas, Texas, beginning in the 1880s. John Lomax recorded this song at the Darrington State Prison Farm in Sandy Point, Texas, when SG worked as a chaplain to black convicts.

3 SHELTON BROS. (BOB AND JOE) Knot Hole Blues (Decca 5653, 1938)
Originally from East Texas, the SBs spent long stretches in Shreveport during the 1930s thanks to their employment by KWKH. In addition to radio broadcasts, they maintained a prolific recording career issuing records under their name as well as others (see: Lone Star Cowboys, Sunshine Boys, Jimmie Davis).

4 ODIS ECHOLS AND HIS MELODY BOYS Dreary Midnight Blues (Red Barn RH1160, 1948)
In the years immediately preceding the launch of the Louisiana Hayride in 1948, itinerant country musician OE and his band hosted a radio show on KWKH. Band members included locals Jack Ford (guitar) and Sleepy Brown (trumpet).

5 THEODORE WILBURN WITH THE WILBURN FAMILY Down in Dixie (Where They Say You All) (4 Star 1490, 1950)
During the summer of 1949, the Wilburn Family relocated to Shreveport thanks to fellow country musician Zeke Clements. While living here for a couple years, they maintained a morning radio show on KWKH and were regulars on the Louisiana Hayride.

6 CLARENCE LONDON Goin' Back To Mama (Fidelity 3009, 1952)
When reissued on a 1970s compilation LP, the liner notes described CL as a construction worker that hung around Stan Lewis's record shop.

7 SLIM WHITMAN North Wind (Imperial 8208, 1953)
Shreveport mailman and singer SW skips the yodeling on this song. Hear steel guitarist Thomas "Hoot" Rains with his trademark "shooting arrows" technique.

8 JACKSON GOSPEL SINGERS Satisfied (Jackson Gospel Singers 103, circa 1955)
From 1945 to 1957, Reverend Anderson Samuel Jackson Jr. pastored Mount Canaan Baptist Church. Around this time, he also hosted a radio show on KENT and released this record.

9 AL JONES Mad, Mad World (Poplar 104, 1957)
This is what you sound like when your dad is a Bossier City police captain, your brother is a stunt man on the Mod Squad, your sister is Billie Jean Horton, and your brothers-in-law are Hank Williams and Johnny Horton. Music provided by Jesse Stone and his orchestra.

10 JOHNNY GOSEY I Lost My Baby ('Cause I Can't Rock And Roll) (MOA 1001, 1959)
Here's the first release on Wilson Evans's Music of America record label. On this song, Evans shares songwriting credits with Alex "Snook" Jones. Jones and his band the Nite Hawks provide the musical accompaniment.

11 CHARLES PERRYWELL AND HIS FAIRLANES Your Lonesome Now (Tic-Toc 104, 1961)
Though this Lake Charles record label managed to misspell both "Pennywell" and "you're," they did release a flawless song by this Shreveport vocal group. These days, Charles "Diamond" Pennywell lives and performs in Las Vegas.

12 LUCKY CLARK So Sick (Chess 1782, 1961)
In the early 1960s, Tommy Lee "Lucky" Clark spent time in Shreveport. Songwriter credits for this song list local record men Dee Marais and Stan Lewis. By the 1970s, LC was playing bass for the Suzi Arden show at the Mint Hotel in Las Vegas.

13 VINCENT WILLIAMS Do I Have A Chance With You (RAM 2100, 1961)
Originally from nearby Longview, Texas, VW played in Shreveport clubs and connected with Mira Smith to release this 45 on her label.

14 ARNIE CARVER John Kennedy Ballad (Carver 101, circa 1965)
Amateur folk rock by mystery musician AC. Publishing credits indicate the involvement of Dee Marais, who co-ran Murco Records and operated the Bayou Music Shop.

15 JAMES BURTON Jimmy's Blues (Miramar 108, 1965)
One of the few records where prolific guitarist JB receives top billing. He shares the songwriting credits with Joe Osborn (bass) and Mickey Jones (drums).

16 THE BAD HABITS Hook Nose And Wooden Leg (Scepter 12126, 1965)
Taking cues from the sound of the Newbeats, this band included Jerry Beach (guitar) and Danny Harrelson (piano). In recent years, Beach performed with Robin And the Bluebirds and hosted the Monday Night Blues Jam at Lee's Lounge.

17 ART AND PAT Gonna Leave You (Doric 101, circa 1965)
Art (Tucker) and Pat perform a song arranged by Dean "Al" Mathis and written by Mira Smith and Margaret Lewis.

18 RON GRAY Hold Back The Sunrise (Hanna-Barbera 488, 1966)
When RG recorded this song, he had recently changed careers from banker to disc jockey. He hosted "Road Show," a weekday afternoon radio show on KWKH.

19 LITTLE DUCK AND THE QUACKERS Excuse Me (Ronn 19, 1968)
This wild novelty record appears to be The Uniques in disguise. Written by "R. Mills" (Ray Mills played lead guitar in The Uniques) and arranged by Joe Stampley (singer and keyboard player in The Uniques).

20 BILL BOHANNON Shreveport, Louisiana (Paula 292, 1968)
With lyrics like these, you'd expect this to have been underwritten by Shreveport's Chamber of Commerce! BB worked as a DJ for KWKH and as operations director for KRMD.

21 DORI GRAYSON I Can Fix That For You (Murco 1045, 1968)
DG only released three 45s, yet they make her a serious contender for the best 1960s female soul singer in Shreveport. This song appeared on her second 45.

22 DALE & RAY WITH THE TEXAS OILERS Legal Tender (Black Gold 2, circa 1970)
The sleeve for this 45 yields few clues: "Dale & Ray with the Texas Oilers from Shreveport." Record label address in nearby Marshall, Texas.

23 NITA EUBANKS You Ain't Woman Enough (Purple Turtle 101, circa 1970)
With a record label address at the Lane Building downtown, here's one of Shreveport's contributions to the "bizarre records by children" genre. 11-year-old NE channels her inner Loretta Lynn.

24 STANLEY WINSTON No More Ghettos In America (Jewel 149, 1970)
SW, a native of New Roads, Louisiana, recorded this song at Sound City Studios in Shreveport. The studio's engineer, George Clinton, served as music arranger of the recording.

25 ADOLPH & THE ENTERTAINERS Old Folks Shuffle Part 1 & 2 (Alarm 103, circa 1972)
Local record label Alarm issued two 45s by Adolph Washington, which may have been the group's only releases. Here's both sides of their second record.

26 FONTELLA BASS Home Wrecker (Paula 389, 1973)
Best known for her 1965 hit "Rescue Me," St. Louis's FB released a few records on Paula in the early 1970s. This song, composed by locals Bobby Patterson and Jerry Strickland was recorded at Sound City Studios on Line Ave.

27 BARBARA FLOWERS JOY Foot Stompin' (Joy, 1986)
This record appears to have been self-released by BFJ. Herman Finley, who served as music director at Mount Canaan Baptist Church, handled production duties.

Margaret Lewis Warwick on "Art of the Insane" radio show (June 20, 2006). Hosted by Chris Brown, KSCL 91.3 FM (Shreveport, Louisiana).

Margaret Lewis Warwick on "Art of the Insane" radio show
June 20, 2006
Hosted by Chris Brown
KSCL 91.3 FM (Shreveport, Louisiana).

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/margaret-lewis-warwick-on-art-of-the-insane-radio-show-kscl-913-fm-june-20-2006/

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Track listing:
DALE HAWKINS - Little Pig (Chess 1429, 1958)
MARGARET LEWIS - Shake a Leg (Ram 1611, 1959)
MARGARET LEWIS - Frankie and Johnny (live at the Venus Theatre, Shreveport, La., October 7, 1960)
UNCLE BOB NEAL - Ram Record Shop advertisement (October 7, 1960)
UNIDENTIFIED DISC JOCKEY - Ram Record Shop advertisement (circa 1960)
MARGARET LEWIS - One Today Another Tomorrow (live at the Louisiana Hayride, May 21, 1960)
LUCY-MARGARET LEWIS - Reconsider Me (Ram 8042, 1980)

Rev. Eddie Giles on "Art of the Insane" radio show (May 22, 2007)

Rev. Eddie Giles on "Art of the Insane" radio show
May 22, 2007
Hosted by Chris Brown
KSCL 91.3 FM (Shreveport, Louisiana).

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/rev-eddie-giles-on-art-of-the-insane-radio-show-kscl-913-fm-may-22-2007/

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Track listing:
[00:13:10] PILGRIM JUBILEE SINGERS - Stretch Out (Peacock 3405, 1960)
[00:25:20] EDDY GILES - Losin’ Boy (Murco 1031, 1967)
[00:28:40] EDDY “G” GILES AND THE JIVE 5 - While I’m Away (Baby, Keep the Faith) (Murco 1033, 1967)
[00:31:05] EDDY “G” GILES - Music (Murco 1037, 1968)
[00:40:15] EDDY GILES - So Deep In Love (Silver Fox 9, 1969)
[00:44:40] EDDIE GILES - Losing Boy (Stax 103, 1971)
[00:46:45] EDDIE GILES - Are You Living With The One You're Loving With (Alarm 106, 1973)
[00:54:00] DR. W. ELBERT “EDDIE” GILES & FAMILY - I’m A Winner Now (Thank You Lord 3491, 2003)

SHREVEPORT GOT A HOLD ON ME: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1923-1980)

SHREVEPORT GOT A HOLD ON ME: OUR CITY'S SONGS (1923-1980)
Compiled in December 2011, liner notes revised January 2019.

Songs about Shreveport, songs recorded in Shreveport, songs by Shreveporters, songs on Shreveport record labels.

Listen online: https://www.mixcloud.com/shreveportsongs/7-shreveport-got-a-hold-on-me-our-citys-songs-1923-1980/


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1 CLARENCE WILLIAMS' BLUE FIVE Shreveport Blues (Okeh 40006, 1923)
Composed by Annie “Bootsy” Potter and published as sheet music by Clarence Williams. Pianist CW also recorded it twice in 1923...first with vocalist Virigina Liston, then this instrumental version.

2 ELZADIE ROBINSON The Santa Claus Crave (Paramount 12573, 1927)
According to local bluesman Jesse Thomas, ER came from the Logansport/Shreveport area before moving to Chicago. Features Bob Call on piano.

3 LEON'S LONE STAR COWBOYS Mistreated Blues (Decca 5423, 1935)
Around 1934, Leon Chappelear parted ways with Bob and Joe Shelton in the Lone Star Cowboys and assembled Leon's Lone Star Cowboys. LLSC specialized in upbeat western swing and hosted a radio show on KWKH. This song, from the group's first recording session, occurred one month before a car wreck injured Leon.

4 BUDDY JONES Shreveport County Jail Blues (Decca 5490, 1937)
Policemen Jones yodels about a partygoer sent to jail. Don't let the title's geographical incongruities fool you. Shreveport, a city, is located in Caddo Parish. The song has origins in two earlier recordings -- Hattie Burleson’s “High Five Blues” (1930) and Gene Autry’s "Dallas County Jail Blues" (1931).

5 PAUL HOWARD AND HIS ARKANSAS COTTON PICKERS The Boogie's Fine Tonight (King 871, 1950)
Itinerant PH bounced from Phoenix, to Houston, to Nashville, before moving to Shreveport in 1950. His band hosted daily broadcasts on KTBS and KCIG; they also frequently played dances around town.

6 PETE MCKINLEY & COUNTRY JIM Shreveport Blues (1952)
Art Rupe (who ran Specialty Records in Los Angeles) worked with Stan Lewis to record Shreveport bluesmen in 1952. This song, like many of the recordings, went unreleased until finding its way onto a compilation album decades later. Look for "cold chill" inducing women at the intersection of McNeil and 4th streets.

7 JACK FORD That's All You Gotta Do (Chess 4858, 1954)
JF spent time playing guitar for Curley Williams and his Georgia Peach Pickers before going solo. One of the few country 45s released by Chess Records, who received the recording from Stan Lewis.

8 BENNY BARNES Poor Man's Riches (1956)
BB, from Beaumont, crossed paths with songwriter Dee Marais, and their partnership produced this song. It reached #2 on the Billboard country charts and also earned him a spot on the Louisiana Hayride. Here's a live rendition performed on the Hayride.

9 OCIE SMITH Slow Walk (Cadence 1304, 1956)
Born 30 miles south of town in Mansfield, Smith was living in NYC at the time of this recording. Nevertheless, Shreveport concert promoters emphasized his local familial connections whenever he played town. This song, which features an orchestra conducted by Leroy Kirkland, originally appeared as an instrumental hit for its composer, saxophonist Sil Austin.

10 DALE HAWKINS Cross-Ties (Checker 900, 1958)
DH takes a break from vocals to let his band shine on this instrumental. The band includes: Roy Buchanan (guitar), Mark Mathis (bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), Shelton Bissell (saxophone).

11 TOMMY CASSEL Go Ahead On (Cassel 58, 1958)
From TC's first record, a self-released 45. According to him, the band included James Burton (guitar), "Coach" Floyd (bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), and Leon Post (piano).

12 LARRY LINCOLN That'll Hold You (Fido 11, 1959)
Larry Bamburg preferred playing country fiddle to rock and roll. Nevertheless, he did cut this upbeat song, recorded at RAM Studios and released by Dee Marais. Features LB's cousin Shelton Bissell (saxophone) and Margaret & Rose Lewis (backing vocals).

13 BUDDY PAUL This Old Town (Is Such A Lonely Place) (Murco 1018, 1960)
Melancholy country by this KCIJ disc jockey. Songwriter credits list Murco owner Dick Martin. BP performed on the Louisiana Hayride and previously sang with the Four B's.

14 'JUNE BUG' BAILEY Lee Street Blues (Jo 2180, 1962)
Q: What do you get when you combine Mira Smith's RAM Recording Studio, the young daughter of a barbecue restaurant on Greenwood Road, and an Alexandria songwriter's composition about a wino? A: Lee Street Blues.

15 GENE FREEMAN Fidel Castro (Tomco 1066, 1963)
Around the time of the Cuban Missle Crisis, GF recorded this topical novelty featuring a prominent banjo.

16 FLOYD CRAMER Satan's Doll (RCA Victor 47-8217, 1963)
FC worked as pianist for the staff band on the Louisiana Hayride from 1951-1955. Then, he moved to Nashville and participated in countless recording sessions. On this record, his usual easy listening country style is paired with a slightly ominous sound.

17 THE SENSATIONAL JONES SINGERS OF SHREV., LA. My Redeemer Live (Rapturea 1010, circa 1965)
A local gospel group with a release on this Dallas label. Songwriter credits list "J. Jennings."

18 MARCUS BROWN I'm Comin' Home (Peermont 1050, 1968)
MB recorded only one 45, which appeared on this subsidiary label of Murco. MB also appears as producer on a record issued by Rufus Brown on Brown's Records.

19 JOHNNY DUNCAN Shreveport To L.A. (Columbia 4-44864, 1969)
Texan/Nashvillian JD cut this B-side about escaping a Shreveport woman.

20 THE FAMILY TREE Electric Kangaroo (Paula 329, 1970)
Bubblegum pop from a local group that released one 45 and one album. Produced by Jerry Strickland.

21 THE KING COBRAS Get Frogish Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 (Custom Sound 1010, circa 1970)
Funk from an enigmatic local group with one release to their name. In 1969, they performed for Shreveport's NAACP "Soul Festival" at the Municipal Auditorium.

22 BAD HABITS If The Whole World Stopped Loving (Paula 342, 1971)
At least three groups connected to Shreveport shared this band name in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Whatever their exact identity, this song was produced by Gene Kent and written by locals Jerry Strickland and Don Griffin.

23 STEVE YOUNG Lonesome, On'ry And Mean (Reprise 2081, 1972)
Nomadic country songwriter SY's tale of a Greyhound bus trip with a Shreveport stop. Waylon Jennings popularized this song the following year.

24 TOMMIE YOUNG Do We Have A Future (Soul Power 3316, 1973)
Hailing from Dallas, TY caught the attention of Bobby Patterson, who ran Soul Power Records with Jerry Strickland. Her songs (largely written by Patterson and Strickland) yielded six 45s and one album...all recorded in Sound City Studio at 3316 Line Ave.

25 DIANA EVANS Country Pickin' Man (Misti Dawn 1002, circa 1980)
DE relays the tale of a successful country musician that likes rock and roll, but will never make it as a rock star. The grass is always greener...

26 GOSPEL SPIRITUALS When My Days Are Done (Custom Sound 348, circa 1980)
A local group, a local recording (Southern Star Studio), a local record label, a "J.C. Wells" as songwriter and soloist.

27 FRED WARING AND HIS PENNSYLVANIANS Fight To Win That Fight (1942)
Popular bandleader FW cranked out dozens of fight songs for colleges and universities in the 1930s. Here's one for the students at Centenary College of Louisiana. "Sneeze, thumb your nose, tell a joke like a gentleman."