On August 3, 2008, John Rex Reeves dedicated his personal
Jim Reeves memorabilia to the Municipal Auditorium Museum. After the dedication,
John Rex peformed his Jim Reeves Tribute Show to an enthusiastic Lousiana
Hayride crowd.
Jim Reeves got his start in big time country music in
the early fifties as an announcer at Shreveport's Lousiana Hayride show.
His first big hit, Mexican Joe, was launched from the Hayride. The Hayride
is enjoying a rebirth and and hopefully the Jim Reeves Tribute Show will
be an annual part of the Hayride's seasons as they make the attempt to
preserve and promote traditional country music.
Many thanks to Debra Lindsey of the Shreveport Chamber
of Commerce and the Walk of Stars Committee for helping make this event
such a success. Also, many thanks to Bud Christian, leader of the Lousiana
Hayride band as well as all the fine entertainers who participated in this
event. And last but not least, thanks to the hundreds of fans who attended.
It was a great day all around! Note-these pictures appeared in
the Shreveport Times and were taken by Douglas Collier.
John Rex explains the significance of the Hayride to Jim Reeves' career
and thanks the fans for participating in the event.
John Rex visits with and signs a cd for Anne Stuckey, wife of country
music legend Nat Stuckey.
Pictured here are some of John Rex's personal memoralbilia: awards,
pictures on the wall, Jim's Gibson 1951 J50 guitar and the cowboy hat that
Jim wore as an announcer on The Hayride in the early '50s. Jim gave this
hat to John Rex right before he left for Nashville to become an international
star.
The almost life sized picture of Jim Reeves and a Hall of Fame
guitar featuring a painting of Jim's album, Bimbo, was also donated by
John Rex.
John Rex sings Welcome to My World.
Fans enjoy the show and the trip down memory lane!