Published:
An Arkansas Legend Turns 100: The Centennial of Louis Jordan
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eureka Blues Weekend,
May 29 - June 1, features a tribute toArkansas native Louis Jordan. The
four-day musical extravaganza features 70 performances at 15 different venues.
Headliners include Koko Taylor, Michael Burks and Deborah Coleman. The musical
weekend also gives visitors the opportunity to explore the town's unique
shops, restaurants, hotels and bed and breakfasts.
http://arkansas.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?id=35224
Louis Jordan: Father of Rhythm and Blues
Born inBrinkley, Arkansas in the Arkansas Delta, Jordan became world
famous as his music blared from jukeboxes and radios throughout the 1940's and
1950's. Known as the "King of the Jukebox" and the "Father of Rhythm & Blues,"
he was a world-renowned bandleader, songwriter, musician and performer. In the
early 1930's, Jordan moved toPhiladelphia and later toNew York, playing with
the leading bands and orchestras of the period. It was during this time that
he played and sang with other performers that would become legends -- Ella
Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby. Learn more at
http://www.arkansas.com/things-to-do/famous/arts.aspx
From Rolling Stone Magazine to U.S. Postage Stamp
He and his band, the Tympany Five, claimed over 50 hit singles. They
changed the sound of popular music, introducing a jazzy, bluesy sound that
appealed to all ages and races. Rolling Stone listed Jordan as #59 on their
100 top artists of all time. Billboard Magazine named Jordan as one of the
most successful African American recording artists in history. Jordan died in
California in 1975 but his influence can still be felt. The United States
Postal Service will soon unveil a postage stamp featuring the poster from
Jordan's film "Caldonia."
Two museums in the Arkansas Delta will also pay homage to Jordan. The
Central Delta Depot Museum, located inBrinkley in a restored train depot,
will exhibit such items as a bronze bust of Jordan, his sheet music and
records. (To learn more, visit http://www.cddm.org.)
The Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena which has a strong musical
heritage celebrated at festivals throughout the year, is currently displaying
the exhibit entitled Jazzin' Jammin' & Jivin': The History of Jazz on Film.
The exhibit includes four original posters from Jordan films, and other Jordan
memorabilia including his saxophone, sheet music and lobby cards. (Visit
http://www.DeltaCulturalCenter.com or call 800-358-0972.)
For more information on the tribute visit
http://www.eurekaspringsblues.com.
SOURCE Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
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