The Municipal Auditorium was built in the 1920s and is known for its intricate and impressive masonry and lush interior. Even today, the building is considered the best example of Art Deco architecture in the state of Louisiana
On April 3, 1948, a new program format called “The Louisiana Hayride” began with a weekly presentation of talented singers, songwriters and artists in the Municipal Auditorium
Perhaps the most prominent artist to begin his career on the show’s stage on October 16, 1954, was the king of rock ’n‘ roll, Elvis Presley!
Elvis was signed to play the Louisiana Hayride at the Municipal Auditorium every Saturday night for $ 18 per show. Presley Manager Colonel Tom Parker “discovered” the phenomenal talent of the young artist here and bought his contract after 18 months for 10,000 dollars
During the “Louisiana Hayride”, at which Elvis performed with his longtime musicians Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass), the rock star met the show’s house drummer, D. J. Fontana
Many African-American musicians also took part in the Municipal Auditorium. The blues musician Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter from Shreveport-Bossier achieved fame with his song “Good Night Irene”
