What I'm Reading

Since moving to Nashville, I have learned more about WSM and the Grand Ole Opry, and I was interested in learning more about how it all got started. In doing research for my job, Air Castle of the South: WSM and the Making of Music City kept frequently coming up as a resource, so I decided to check it out from my local public library. I got to visit the Opry in June with my dad and sister, Kristen. It was a great show and there was a ton going on before and after the show because of CMA Fest.

At the Opry in June

Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, I heard about the Louisiana Hayride often, as it was a similar program and format. However, the Hayride supported artists just starting their careers while the Opry allowed traditional, established artists to perform. In this traditionalist regard, the Opry steered clear of the electric guitar, while the Hayride embraced it. The world was even introduced to Elvis on the Hayride!

via

I'm only about fifty pages in, but I'm looking forward to delving in to country music history through this book! 

Other things I'm reading today: 

Marty Stuart: Keeper Of Country Music's Cowboy Couture

What Good is Theory in Public History?

Curator's Workbench

October is American Archives Month!

St. Charles Avenue streetcar line named a National Historic Landmark

Time is the New Money

The making a Blake Sims: a selfless leader who was sent to Alabama a boy and came back a man

When Paris Met Rory: TV's Last Great Teenage-Girl Friendship

Stories from the Road: LDC Alexis

Happy 89th, Hank!

Today is the 89th anniversary of Hank Williams, Sr.'s birthday.  

Hiram King Williams was born on September 17, 1923 in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama.  He moved around Alabama and eventually formed the Drifting Cowboys.  In 1948, he joined the Louisiana Hayride a radio program broadcast from Municipal Auditorium, in Shreveport, Louisiana, my hometown.  Hank unfortunately passed away on New Years Day in 1953, but left a lasting impact on country music.

Municipal Auditorium, site of the Louisiana Hayride via

Last year, I curated an exhibit at the Hoole Special Collections Library called "Sounds Like Alabama" that featured Hank in a portion of the exhibit.  Here is the case on Hank and Hank, Jr.  

"If the good Lord's willing..." I just love this poster! 

 This summer, I interned at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Hank was a prominent character in the story of country music there.  Hank was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961.
In the photo below, Hank's portrait hangs on a banner next to the wall of gold, silver and platinum albums of various country artists.