Louisiana Cultural Vistas’ First Music Issue

Few places in the world had a greater influence the evolution of popular music than Louisiana. Jazz, blues, zydeco, Cajun music, country, rock, opera and classical – all have deep roots in the state, and Louisiana Cultural Vistas will celebrate this rich cultural bounty in our Winter 2015 issue, debuting on December 1 – just in time for holiday gift subscriptions.

Stories in our next issue will include:

• A roundup of country music “opry” shows in Ruston, Abita Springs and Ferriday.
• A biographical profile of Jordan Noble, the young African American drummer who accompanied the fighting men at the 1815 Battle of New Orleans.
• The rising fame of Lost Bayou Ramblers, a young Cajun band blending tradition with innovation.
• A photo essay by New Orleans photographer Zack Smith titled “My Louisiana Muse” that focuses on the state’s musicians, artists, writers, actors and photographers.
• An excerpt from a new book by Todd Mouton about Clifton Chenier, The King of Zydeco.
• An interview with James Burton, Shreveport’s Rock and Roll Hall of Famer who played guitar as backup for Elvis Presley, Sonny and Cher, Ricky Nelson, Merle Haggard and Emmylou Harris, among others.
• A look inside the blogosphere of Louisiana’s vintage record collectors.
• Recollections of the New Orleans punk music scene in the 1980s.

Visit KnowLouisiana.org for web exclusive stories, among them:

• A profile of author Tom Piazza, the 2015 Louisiana Writer of the Year.
• Excerpts from a new book by photographer Cheryl Gerber titled New Orleans: Life and Death in the Big Easy.
• A study of the landmark tomb of Voudou Queen Marie Laveau and the many bodies it contains.

Subscriptions are $20 per year, or $35 for two years. You may subscribe by calling 504.523.4352, mailing a check to LEH, 938 Lafayette Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, LA 70113 or by visiting KnowLouisiana.org or leh.org.