Louisiana embraces its musical roots with the commencement of the 2024 “Year of Music,” a proclamation by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, head of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. As part of the festivities, a Shreveport-based radio program named “Louisiana Haywire” is set to debut on Red River Public Radio (FM 89.9) today, January 26, at 6:30 p.m.

Highlighting Northwest Louisiana’s rich musical influences, the series pays tribute to its significant impact on the diverse landscape of American music. Hosted by Shreveport locals Bonne Summers, Dan Garner, and Winston Hall, “Louisiana Haywire” promises an engaging experience. The radio show will also be available as a podcast series on various digital platforms.

Local musicians Dan Garner and Winston Hall, renowned hosts of the initial seven-episode series, bring their hosting expertise and musical knowledge to the forefront. The episodes will feature songs originally performed or written in Northwest Louisiana, including classics like “Suzy Q,” “Hey Mama,” “Cotton Fields,” and more. Additionally, the series will include insightful interviews with Louisiana music legends and historians, providing listeners with an insider’s view of the state’s musical history.

Interviewees include Estelle Brown, the last surviving member of the “Sweet Inspirations”; TJ Mandina, local bass guitarist involved in the creation of “Suzy Q”; Chris Brown, Centenary College archivist and radio music show host; Alton Warwick, music enthusiast and co-founder of the Foundation for the Arts, Music, and Entertainment of Shreveport-Bossier; Robin Vosbury, local guitarist with ties to Louisiana Hayride artists; and Robert Trudeau, Huddie “Lead Belly” aficionado and music historian.

For additional details, visit Louisiana Haywire’s Facebook page.