Spotlight on History
Louisiana Music on Folks
210 episodes of LPB's Folks, a minority affairs program that aired from 1981-1990, are freely available for streaming here on the LDMA. The series highlighted issues related to African Americans and other minority groups in Louisiana, as well as lighter stories highlighting the state’s unique culture. Louisiana music was one of the major topics featured on the series. Check out performances and interviews with stars from a variety of Louisiana musical genres here:
The Soul of Music (1982)
Travel around Louisiana for a tour of black musical genres, including zydeco in Cecilia, the blues in Baton Rouge, traditional jazz in New Orleans, and gospel in Shreveport.
The Rhythm of the River (1983)
Explore the roots of the blues and jazz, including performances by blues pianist Henry Gray, blues guitarist Silas Hogan, and jazz musician Alvin Batiste.
Jazz in Louisiana (1983)
Enjoy a visit to Preservation Hall in New Orleans and a profile of the Southern University Jazz Ensemble in Baton Rouge led by Alvin Batiste.
Zydeco Festival (1984)
Learn more about the history of zydeco and the importance of Clifton Chenier to the genre during this visit to the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival in Plaisance.
Dizzy Gillespie (1985)
Watch jazz great Dizzy Gillespie guest conduct a rehearsal of the Southern University Jazz Band in Baton Rouge as they prepare for a performance of his music.
The Zion Travelers (1985)
View a profile of the Zion Travelers, a gospel singing group from Baton Rouge, including highlights of their performance at the Louisiana Folklife Festival.
Ellis Marsalis (1985)
See a profile Ellis Marsalis, a jazz pianist, music teacher at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and father of Branford and Wynton Marsalis.
Martina Arroyo (1986)
View a profile of Martina Arroyo, a world-renowned opera singer and a visiting professor at the Louisiana State University School of Music.
Art of the Spiritual (1987)
Watch Frances Ellis-Marsh, a dramatic soprano and the chairwoman of vocal music at Southern University, perform several spirituals accompanied by pianist Frank White.
Joe Sample (1987)
See an interview and highlights of a performance by jazz pianist Joe Sample, a Louisiana native, during his visit to Southern University in Baton Rouge.
Lenora Lafayette (1988)
View a profile of the late opera singer Lenora Lafayette of Baton Rouge, the first African American to perform at the Royal Opera House in London, England, in 1953.
Kenny Neal (1988)
Watch an interview with Kenny Neal, a blues musician from Baton Rouge, where he discusses the importance of carrying on the blues tradition and his growth as a songwriter.
Alvin Batiste (1989)
See a profile of Alvin Batiste, a jazz clarinetist, who discusses his recent albums and his return as the director of the Southern University Jazz Institute in Baton Rouge.
Allen Toussaint (1989)
View a profile of Allen Toussaint, a songwriter and musician from New Orleans, who discusses his recent performance at Festival International in Lafayette and his new album.