Byway Blues
Currently on hiatus from production: stay tuned!
Byway Blues tells the stories of the untapped blues roots in northeast Louisiana. Host Lesli Rambin shares the lives and musical accomplishments of famous local artists and their families.
The series spotlights buildings and venues that served as host to many famous musicians—all in an effort to preserve and potentially restore these historic cultural landmarks.
In addition, the segment features artists currently performing in the region who trace their inspiration from blues artists they’ve admired for years.
Byway Blues is produced with the generous support of Washington Wine and Spirits, the Entergy Charitable Foundation, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Northeast Louisiana Arts Coucil.
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In 1978, Doyle Jeter started searching for a place to build his legacy in Monroe. Jeter grew up around the music scenes of Philadelphia and New York. He… -
After losing her brother in 1968, Dr. Mable John was not ready to put her heart fully into her music. It wasn't until Ray Charles enlisted her to help him…
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Blind Joe Reynolds, also known as Joe Sheppard, was born in Tallulah and recorded 8 songs in the 1930s for Paramount and the RCA Victor, 2 of which are… -
Entertainer Mable John returns to the area for a celebration of her talent. The community of Bastrop will celebrate John's 88th birthday at a celebration… -
Leon "Pee Wee" Whittaker grew up in a musicial family. Born an only child in Newellton, Louisiana, he learned how to play several instruments over his… -
Blues legend and pianist Ivory Joe Hunter was a Monroe, Louisiana resident for several decades. With over 7,000 songs written, Hunter’s “Since I Met You… -
Born in Rayville, Louisiana, Po’ Henry and Tookie's music has an international appeal. Their music represents the best of northeast Louisiana traditional… -
Mable John, “Motown’s first singing lady” is a Bastrop, Louisiana native. The eldest of 10 children, she became the first female signed by Berry Gordy to… -
National Blues Hall of Famer, Doug Duffey was born in Monroe, Louisiana. Named as the “Louisiana Ambassador of the Blues,” Duffey was inducted into the… -
In 1929, The African-American Enterprise established the Miller-Roy building in Monroe, Louisiana. The building, once owned by prominent African-American…
