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Municipal Auditorium Becomes National Historic Landmark

December 20, 2009 | Other

On Monday, a draped bronze plaque will be unveiled during a ceremony at 11 a.m. that day in the foyer of the building known for the likes of Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, Kitty Wells and many other country music legends. The marker reads: "This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America." "Having played in entertainment venues around the world, I can say without a doubt that the Municipal Auditorium exemplifies the finest sound quality of all," said former Louisiana Hayride and Elvis lead guitarist James Burton. Municipal Auditorium "has a rich music heritage, and entertainers have been honored to perform there since it's been built." On hand with Burton at the ceremony Monday will be Louisiana Hayride announcer and historian Frank Page, Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover and representatives of the U.S. Interior Department, the National Park Service and the state historic preservation office. "I am glad that I was a part of that historical era and continue to perform at the Municipal every year," said Burton, founder of the James Burton International Guitar Festival and the James Burton Foundation. "We continue to invest in the area and have made our corporate foundation offices across the street from the historic Municipal." "The Louisiana Hayride" was an innovative radio show broadcast from the Municipal Auditorium stage from 1948-60 that introduced and featured a number of musicians and songwriters who, like Elvis, later became monumental figures in American music history.

Source:ElvisMatters
My boy, my boy wrote on December 22, 2009
I shall go there someday...