Shreveport celebrates anniversary of Elvis Presley’s Louisiana Hayride debut

October 15, 2024

On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, two local organizations — Keeping It Country Live and Elvis’ Angels Fan Club — will join forces to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s iconic debut on the Louisiana Hayride radio program.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a special ceremony on the front steps of the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. During the ceremony, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux will issue a proclamation declaring October 16th as “Elvis Presley Day” in honor of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Following the ceremony, a tribute program will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Louisiana Grandstand, located at 802 Margaret Place. The event will feature a live performance by Elvis tribute artist Richard Cook, alongside refreshments and a display of rare Elvis Presley memorabilia. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, with all proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House.

October 16, 1954, marks the day a 19-year-old Elvis Presley made his debut on the Louisiana Hayride, a live radio program broadcast from the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. The show was heard across the southern and western United States, and this early appearance helped catapult Elvis into stardom.