North Caddo Parish: North Caddo Hayride

The North Caddo Hayride was a music venue on the Hosston Road east of Vivian, Louisiana that in various incarnations ran from the mid/late 1960s until approximately 1981..

BACKGROUND

The following information is summarized from an undated/unsourced article (likely from Vivian's Caddo Citizen) describing the Hayride and its origins:

F. M. Hale and his band, "The Countryaires" had previously performed at regional country shows, including those in Homer and Keithville, when he decided Vivian was ready to have one of its own. Initially a building was leased, and the venue attracted local fans as well as others from Shreveport, Texarkana, and several outlying towns in both Louisiana and Texas. F. M., Joe Hale, and J. W. Shelton then built a small building that was dedicated 15-Mar-1968. The intent was to promote country music and provide a place for local talent to gain experience in a clean, family-friendly environment. A larger building seating 1,600 was later constructed, having some seats that had come out of Shreveport's Municipal Auditorium - home of the renowned Louisiana Hayride.

An incarnation of the Hayride Band, circa 1970 or 1971.

L-R: Travis Partain, Jack Green, David Rollins, F. M. Hale, G. W. Williamson

The show went on every Saturday night, with a cast of regulars from the local area, and a "big name" artist scheduled approximately every other month. Additionally, gospel singing was held on the first Friday of each month, featuring alternately the Mid-South Boys of Malvern, AR and the Singing Christians of Tenaha, TX.

House band members at that time included:

F. M. Hale, fiddle
James Irby, lead guitar
Mike Johnson, front man (and announcer)
Jack Mathews, steel guitar
David McLeod, drums
Charles Mudford, piano
Jimmy Dale Roach, bass

This band received praise from "name" artists who performed with them, some comparing them to backing groups in Nashville.

North Caddo Hayride in early 1970s

HEYDAY OF THE HAYRIDE

The grand opening of the larger structure featured Claude King, a one-time star of the Louisiana Hayride who had also played at the Grand Old Opry.

Shreveport Times 15-Nov-1972, Page 5-C

Claude King

"Wolverton Mountain" was his signature song.

Another well-known performer of the 1950s and 1960s, Bobby Lord, appeared later that year.

Shreveport Times 06-Dec-1972, Page 7-B

Here's Bobby's recording, Shadows On The Wall.

The Hayride band and singers.

L-R: F. M. Hale, Travis Partain, James Irby, Debbie Jones, Leonard Shafer, David McLeod

Singers, (front) L-R: Sherry Sullivan, Debbie Jones, Gail Swearengin; Band L-R: F. M. Hale,
Travis Partain (seated), James Irby, G. W. Williamson (behind ladies, Leonard Shafer, David Mcleod

Cal Smith and the Osborne (misspelled in advertisement) Brothers later appeared.

Shreveport Times 17-Feb-1973, Page 7-B

The NC Hayride and Rhythm Masters Jamboree, a competing venue, were listed among 1973 Redbud Festival events.

Shreveport Times 18-Mar-1973, Page 3-E

Some time in the early 1970s, Bobby Joe Henry (harmonica) and G. W. Williamson (vocals) performed two songs at the Hayride that were produced into a 45 RPM record.

Source: Les Baker, musician and music archivist

G. W. Williamson is shown below performing at the Rhythm Master Jamboree, also held in Vivian then, in 1973.

Shreveport Times 12-Aug-1973, Page 7-F

The Texas Troubadour, Ernest Tubb made the first of three appearances on 16-Feb-1974. He would later appear 29-Oct-1977 and again at an unknown date.

In June 1974, the Hayride brought in "Bocephus" - Hank Williams, Jr.

Others performing included:

Merle Kilgore (1934-2005) was notably Hank Sr.'s manager at the time of his death. A musician/songwriter in his own right, he wrote "Ring of Fire" (with June Carter) for Johnny Cash, "Wolverton Mountain" for Claude King, and "Johnny Reb" for Johnny Horton.

Benjamin Ford (1901-1986), known professionally as the "Duke of Paducah" was a radio host and comedian who is in the Country Music Hall of Fame

The "Queen Of The North Caddo Hayride," Debbie Jones Smith reportedly turned down contracts from Nashville, feeling she was too young and needed more experience. She performed on the show up until two weeks prior to her passing from leukemia at the young age of 22 in October 1974.

Debbie Jones Smith (1952-1974)

In 1975, young singer Kari Pickett was identified as having played the Hayride.

Longview News-Journal 07-Sep-1975, Page 8-B

The Hayride took its act on the road in October 1975, with the house band and several performers appearing at a similar venue in Hope, AR.

Hope (AR) Star 02-Oct-1975, Page 5

11 year-old Kathy Sepulvado was a Hayride guest in 1976. She later performed there and elsewhere as Kathy Suzette.

Shreveport Times 09-Mar-1976, Page 4-A

Apparently discontinued for approximately a year, W. L. Cox, patriarch of the Cox Family, announced the show would resume and focus on showcasing "established talent."

Shreveport Times 09-Mar-1977, Page 7-B

The Cox Family received national attention, performing with and recording a Grammy Award-winning album with country/bluegrass star Allison Krauss. Their song "I Am Weary, Let Me Rest" was included on the soundtrack of the film O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Japanese fiddler Shoji Tabuchi appeared in June 1977.

Shreveport Times 03-Jun-1977, Page 5-D

Country and Contemporary Christian singer Linda Davis listed to appear at the Hayride, now managed by Robert and Clara Sepulvado.

Shreveport Times 30-Sep-1977, Page 2-D

Linda Davis at 16, shown below. The article refers to the "Vivian" Hayride.

Longview (TX) News Journal Page 12-Dec-1979, 11-D

Here, Linda performs live with Reba McIntyre their Grammy-winning duet "Does He Love You."

Blackie Guidry was a one-time rising star who appeared.

Shreveport Times 29-Oct-1977, Page 11- B

Blackie Guidry

Shreveport Times 11-Nov-1977, Page 4-D

A Longview, TX newspaper article, previewing nearby Hallsville Western Days activities, identified these young ladies, scheduled to perform, as alums of the NC Hayride.

Longview (TX) News-Journal 03-Sep-1978, Page B-1

Shreveport Times 15-Nov-1980, Page 7-B

Dude Bernard, mentioned in the article above, was listed elsewhere as being a former member of George Jones's band.

The 1980 Hayride Christmas show is previewed below.

Shreveport Times 17-Dec-1980, Page 2-D

One-time Grand Old Opry performer and Porter Wagoner Show veteran Avone Jones made an appearance in 1981.

Shreveport Times 23-Jan-1981, Page 6-E

A pic and more information about Ms. Jones.

Longview (TX) News-Journal 03-Sep-1978, Page B-1

THE END OF THE RUN

The show apparently ended with this program or shortly thereafter, as no further mention of the North Caddo Hayride appears in any subsequent media. Should someone reading this have additional information, please contact this author.

The building as it appears today, now used for storage.