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OCTOBER 5, 2011
PRESS RELEASE
"LOUISIANA HAYRIDE Celebrates HANK WILLIAMS"
Sunday Afternoon Concert October 16, 2:pm to 5:pm
Shreveport- Strand Theatre-Free Admission
Featuring Hank's Family & Friends & Lead Actors from new movie,
a story of Hank Williams, "The LAST RIDE"
Hank Williams became the first big star of the world-famous Louisiana Hayride stage & radio show. Hank & Audrey moved to Shreveport in 1948 from Montgomery and Hank, Jr. was born here May 26, 1949. A mighty claim can be made that the combination of "HANK & the HAYRIDE" were a combustion of energy that became the genesis of a music revolution. Hank's blend of roots country & blues music forged a style emanating from the Louisiana Hayride that literally changed the world. He opened the pathway at the Hayride for acceptance of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Johnny Horton & countless artists and amazing legendary musicians.
Hank Williams found a home at the Louisiana Hayride where he transformed from obscurity to global acclaim. His records became classic hits with vast audiences from his dynamic performances on the Hayride stage that was broadcast LIVE over 50,000 watt radio KWKH. Over sixty years later these same recordings still play across global airwaves everyday, and Hank is still honored as the greatest country music artist in the world. He was a member of the Louisiana Hayride when he died and owners Maggie & Alton Warwick proclaim, "he will always be." He still holds the Louisiana Hayride record for encores for his performances of "LOVE SICK BLUES." He could actually throw his hat out on the stage and encore, a fact substantiated by many witnesses.
The Louisiana Hayride is now extremely honored to bring together current events that celebrate the greatness of Hank Williams. In collaboration with Harry Thomason, Director, and Tim Jackson, Executive Producer of the new movie release, a story of Hank Williams, "THE LAST RIDE", the non-profit Louisiana Hayride Foundation will present a FREE Sunday afternoon Louisiana Hayride concert of Hank Williams music, October 16, 2:pm to 5:pm at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport. Performers are Hank's daughter JETT WILLIAMS, the COX FAMILY, and a host of musicians and singers with THE LOUISIANA HAYRIDE BAND. Jett Williams was a big hit at her last appearance on the Louisiana Hayride & many of the Williams' family fans are looking forward to her performance of her Dad's songs. The Grammy winning group from Cotton Valley, the COX FAMILY, who also perform with Alison Krause, will sing their famous harmony on some of Hank's gospel songs. Other popular musicians & entertainers will include famous bass player, Joe Osborn, along with Kenny Bill Stinson, Buddy Flett, Ted Jones, Matthew Davidson, Ben Franks, Bill Boles, Jeremy Parsons, Maggie Warwick, Miki Honeycutt, Robin Beach Black, Monty Russell, Charlie Barrett, Kent Gill, Al Harris & many more.
Other singers will be exciting guests who play lead roles in the "THE LAST RIDE". Henry Thomas plays Hank, & Jesse James, plays the young driver of Hank's Cadillac, as they attempt the long journey through ice & snow that ill fated New Years eve night trying to get Hank to Canton, Ohio, January 1, 1953. Everyone will remember Thomas from his role as the lovable young boy in ET. Both actors are also musicians & singers and will join in the Louisiana Hayride concert with some great Hank Williams songs.
"THE LAST RIDE" opens in Shreveport at Cinemark Tinseltown 17, October 21. Online tickets are available now. Producers of the movie are donating a dollar per ticket sold online prior to opening, which will be donated by the Louisiana Hayride Foundation to two local charities, The Providence House & The Rescue Mission.
Ken Shepherd and Maggie Warwick will co-host the Hayride concert & will feature special interviews with Hank's old friends from the Louisiana Hayride such as Felton Pruitt, Sonny Harville, Frank Page, Norm Bale, Stan Lewis, George Dement, Tillman Franks' family and as many as can be located. Media interviews with entertainers, musicians, actors, and producers are being scheduled. Please feel free to call for further information.
Contact:
Louisiana Hayride Companies
Maggie Warwick-318-868-9444
Alton Warwick- 318-227-9110
Cell: 318-560-1903- alwarwick@aol.com
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