If you love local music history, then join the “Friends of Mooringsport” 2nd Annual parade celebrating the life of Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, one of the area’s most heralded musicians and song writers. Lead Belly was known for his strong vocals and keen guitar play, but it may or may not be known that he also had the ability to play other instruments at a high level as well, including piano, mandolin, harmonica, violin, and accordion.
Learn these interesting facts and a whole lot more about the legend and Mooringsport native at the festivities this weekend.
The parade lineup starts at 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, in front of Longwood General Store North Hwy 169 and goes up to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 10395 Blanchard-Latex Road, in Mooringsport. There will be music and more including marching bands, festive floats, musical activities for kids, a classic car show along with prizes and giveaways.
Maybe the best part of all? You can come and have your picture taken with “Stella,” a 14-foot replica of Lead Belly’s trusted 12-stringed guitar. A word to the wise, you may not want to eat before you come because, according to event organizers there will be plenty of mouth-watering food abounding.
For more information call: Gary Moore at (318) 309-2525 or (318) 218-3184 or Marvin McKeever (318) 465-1106.
Check out Part 1 of this documentary on Ledbetter:
