December 12 - Cradle of the Stars

Joey Kent, owner of thousands of photographs and recordings from the golden era of radio in Shreveport, the Louisiana Hayride, wrote a book on the history of the Louisiana Hayride entitled "Cradle of the Stars, KWKH & The Louisiana Hayride''. 

From the publisher: 

"This image-laden, entertaining chronology of the Louisiana Hayride radio and stage show is written by the historian and archivist for the venue.


The Hayride is credited with introducing the world to Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and so many others. The author's father ran the show in the 1970s and 1980s."

From the Shreveport Times:  

Radio and the Louisiana Hayride are in Kent's blood. His father, David, worked in the radio business and ran the Hayride, a country music show, from 1974 until 1987.

"It wasn't until after he died that (broadcaster) Frank (Page) came to me and wanted my help (on a book) that I realized I was holding what little KWKH had saved from their move from the Petroleum tower to Interstate 20 back in the late '70s,'' Joey Kent said.

"I started digging into it and Frank told me I think you're going to find that the story of KWKH is equally as fascinating, especially old man (Will) Henderson who started the station. I thought he was crazy. I started digging into it and he was right.''

When the Louisiana Hayride began few could envision what it would become and the amount of talent that would grace the stage. "My personal opinion is that it was the perfect storm in that KWKH, when they set out to do the Hayride, their only expectation was to mimic popular barn dance programming that was already in place,'' Joey Kent said.

Joey Kent's book has been a labor of love. But it has also been a work where he wants to inform readers. "I want people to know what the Louisiana Hayride was and the role it played, not only in country music history, but American roots music history. Rockabilly, for all intents and purposes, started on the Louisiana Hayride,'' he said. "There were other people doing other things. But the 30-something states the Hayride was broadcast to and on Armed Forces Radio around the world is what popularized it. I want to define that place.''

The Louisiana Hayride brought some of the biggest names in country music to Shreveport including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Johnny Horton, Minnie Pearl, Carl Perkins, Charley Pride, Jim Reeves, Slim Whitman and Wells.

The biggest star of all was the King himself, Elvis Presley. Presley's popularity ultimately affected the Hayride in a way few could have expected. "When Elvis got there and the audience started turning teenage, the old timers, the bread and butter, stayed home,'' Joey Kent said.

Elvis Inside Released


The book tells the inside story of Elvis' legendary comeback (and much more), through the eyes of those who were there, including rarely heard names like producer Chips Moman and drummer Bob Lanning, but also more familiar ones like The TCB band, The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations. 

It contains a fantastic collection of more than 300 rare photographs from the collections of various high-profile collectors, with a special focus on the concert years. Many of these showcase the grace and artistry of the greatest entertainer that ever lived. The detail and clarity of some of the photos will almost make you feel like you are there. This is a book that you will dip into time and again, and each time you will see new details. Revel in the excitement and promise of those early Vegas engagements, when Elvis was truly at the top of his game. 

The first 500 copies of the book come with a special CD containing 29 tracks, including rare recordings and some real surprises. As a special bonus we've included 'Hound Dog' and 'Heartbreak Hotel' (in a very poor sound and) supposed to be recorded at the 1956 'Texas State Fair', Cotton Bowl, Dallas, October 11, 1956 (previously unreleased). Also on this CD is a previously unreleased 'Love Me Tender' radiospot, the composite stereo master of 'Mama', an interview with 'Uncle Buck' (Ron Lipe) from March 29, 1957, a press conference interview from March 30, 1957 (previously unreleased on CD), the original USA cardboard disc version from 'The Truth About Me', the complete take 7 of 'Stop, Look and Listen', 'The Original Elvis Presley Medley' from 1981 (from a special DJ 12 inch disc - previously unreleased on CD), and many other recordings.

Including a booklet with photos and recording information.

01. Trouble / Guitar Man (takes 2 & 3) 3:39
02. U.S. Male (take 1) 1:59
03. Jam “The Prisoner’s Song” 1:10
04. Stay Away (take 1, slow version) 1:20
05. Stay Away (take 4, fast version) 2:01
06. A Little Less Conversation (binaural, master take 16) 2:20
07. Goin’ Home (take 19) 1:57
08. Wonderful World (binaural, master take 17) 2:37
(Guy Fletcher, Doug Flett) March 7
09. Edge Of Reality (binaural, master take 8) 3:56
10. Stay Away (guitar overdub, take 1) 2:16
11. Musicians Warming Up (instrumental) 1:37
12. Let Yourself Go (section 2, take 3) 1:16
13. Let Yourself Go (section 2, take 4) 1:18
14. Guitar Man (section 1 - Escape, takes 3 & 4) 1:32
15. Guitar Man (section 1 - Escape, takes 6, 7 & 8) 2:21
16. It Hurts Me (section 4 - Escape, take 3) 0:53
17. Stay Away (take 9) 2:20
18. Stay Away (take 10) 0:33
19. Stay Away (takes 12 & 13) 2:32
20. Stay Away (undubbed master, take 15) 2:35

Bonus tracks
21. Almost In Love (low key - track, take 4) 3:19
22. Almost In Love (high key - track, take 2) 3:16

23. A Little Less Conversation (dubdown to backing track) 2:20

(Source: Pelican Pub / Scott Ferrell Shreveport Times / Elvis Shop London)