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The Walk of Stars award was created to recognize individuals from northwest Louisiana who are distinguished in their professional and/or civic endeavors or who have brought recognition and attention to the area, and who have been involved in those activities for at least five years. The honorees may come from any profession or industry including, but not limited to, athletics, music, acting, business, politics, education and community service. |
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The Walk of Stars is located under the Texas Street Bridge, east of Commerce Street in the Red River District.
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 KIX BROOKS - 1997 Inductee
Born and raised in Shreveport, Kix Brooks was influenced by a variety of regional musical styles ranging from Cajun to blues to jazz to country. He was first inspired towards a musical career by his neighbor, legendary country recording artist Johnny Horton. Brooks began performing at age 12 singing with Horton's daughter, then continued performing in clubs and at other venues throughout high school. He also began writing songs at that time. Eventually he landed in Nashville, where he joined Tree Publishing company. Shortly thereafter, artists like the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Conlee, and Highway 101 found success with Brooks' tunes. In 1990 Brooks teamed with Ronnie Dunn. Brooks and Dunn have certainly established themselves as a force in country music. They've sold 22 million albums, scored 18 #1 hits, heard their names called as Entertainer of the Year three times and become one of the most consistent country music headliners today.
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 HAL SUTTON - 1998 Inductee
Shreveport native and area resident Hal Sutton burst onto the professional golf scene in 1981 and was among golf's brightest stars in the early and mid 1980s with seven victories in his first five years on the PGA Tour. He finished atop the money list in 1983, with victories in the Tournament Players Championship and the PGA Championship. After a professional "cold-spell," Sutton reestablished himself as one of the top players on the PGA Tour in 1994, receiving the Hilton Bounceback Award as a result. In 1998 he earned his ninth PGA Tour victory with a one-stroke win at the Westin Texas Open and then followed with a win in The Tour Championship. Sutton's turn-around was complete after he and his teammates on the 1999 America's Ryder Cup team shocked the golf world with their stunning comeback victory over the Europeans, helped along by Sutton's team-high 3.5 points
 JAMES BURTON - 1999 Inductee
Legendary lead guitarist James Burton's career began at the age of 14 when he played guitar in the house band for Shreveport's famed Louisiana Hayride. In 1955 he wrote the music for one of his biggest hits, Suzy Q, and recorded it with Dale Hawkins. In 1957 Burton began a nine-year stint as guitarist for Ricky Nelson, including recording sessions, concert tours and weekly appearances on Nelson's popular television show, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Burton's skill on lead guitar has made him an artist much in demand by groups spanning nearly every musical genre. Artists he has recorded and performed with include Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Arlo Guthrie, The Byrds, John Denver, Elvis Costello, Linda Ronstadt and George Harrison. He is recognized as one of the leading, most influential guitarists in the world.
 COACH EDDIE ROBINSON - 2000 Inductee
After serving more than fifty years as the head football coach of Grambling State University, Coach Eddie G. Robinson retired from his position at the end of the 1997 season at the age of 78, closing the book on what can be described as the most illustrious college football coaching career ever. With 408 wins, Robinson is considered the "winningest" coach in collegiate football history. In addition, his 56 years at Grambling comprise the longest coaching career at one college. He holds the record for the most games coached with 588, and he never missed a scheduled game. Robinson received the National Football League Players' Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998 and has been inducted into seven sports halls of fame, including the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998 when the three-year retirement mandate was waived to allow his immediate induction.
 ELVIS PRESLEY - Posthumously Inducted 2001
On October 16, 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis appeared for the first time on the Louisiana Hayride, a live, Saturday night country music radio show originating in Shreveport. It has been credited as being the vehicle largely responsible for giving Elvis his start. As his popularity grew and Hollywood beckoned, Elvis' performance schedule at the Hayride diminished. It was during his last performance on the program on Dec. 15, 1956, that the phrase "Elvis has left the building" was first uttered, and the rest, as it is said, "is history."
 WILLIAM JOYCE - 2001 Inductee
William Joyce was born in Shreveport in 1957 and took up drawing at an early age. His talent was encouraged by his parents and teachers, and he began to dream of one day writing and illustrating his own books. One of his early works, Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo, sold so well that he later expanded the story. He has since authored and illustrated many books, including Rolie Polie Olie, Snowie Rolie, Dinosaur Bob, Santa Calls, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, and George Shrinks. Rolie Polie Olie won an Emmy, and George Shrinks has debuted on a PBS Television series. Joyce's artwork has shown up in major publications such as Spy and Entertainment Weekly, and The New Yorker has used his work on its covers. Joyce has also branched out into film work. He helped bring movies such as Toy Story and Bugs to the big screen.
 JOE FERGUSON - 2002 Inductee
Former NFL quarterback Joe Ferguson, a native of Shreveport, was inducted into the Walk of Stars in May 2002. His stellar football career began at Shreveport's Woodlawn High School, where he set national prep passing records during his senior year. He also had great success in college, setting a school record for passing yardage at the University of Arkansas that stood for 26 years. Ferguson spent 18 years in the National Football League. Twelve of those years were spent with the Buffalo Bills. He also played for Detroit, Tampa Bay and Indianapolis. Upon his retirement from pro football, he was ranked ninth in all-time pass attempts, eleventh in completions, twelfth in yardage, and eighteenth in touchdown passes.
 JIMMIE DAVIS - Posthumously Inducted 2002
Jimmie Davis was born near Quitman, Louisiana in 1899 and lived in the state until his death in 2000. The son of a sharecropper, Davis rose to the highest levels of Louisiana politics. He worked as clerk of Shreveport's Criminal Court and as Shreveport's Commissioner of Public Safety before serving two terms as governor - from 1944-48 and 1960-64. During his time as governor, he passed the Forestry Act, restoring the state's depleted timber lands, and oversaw the integration of the state's public schools. Davis was also a prolific songwriter, recording more than 50 albums and authoring more than 400 country and gospel songs. His signature song, "You Are My Sunshine," has been recorded by more than 350 artists and is second only to "Happy Birthday" as the most recognized song in the world. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Hall of Fame.
 TOM JARRIEL - 2002 Inductee
ABC News correspondent Tom Jarriel came to Shreveport with his family in 1948. He spent his teenage years here, learning lessons that would help carry him to the top of his profession. He attended Byrd High School where he played baseball and tennis. After graduating in 1952, he attended the University of Houston on a tennis scholarship and received his degree in radio and television. It was in Houston that Jarriel launched what has become a stellar career. His first foray into broadcast journalism was as a copy boy at KPRC in Houston. He learned the ropes and was eventually named news editor at the television station. In 1965 he joined ABC News as a correspondent for the network’s Atlanta bureau and quickly distinguished himself through his coverage of the civil rights movement. He was the only network news correspondent covering Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis on the night he was assassinated. Jarriel has received countless honors for his reporting and anchoring, including ten Emmy Awards. His most recent Emmy in 1991 for his work on ABC’s 20/20.
 JOHNNIE COCHRAN - 2003 Inductee
Born in Shreveport on October 2, 1937, Johnnie Cochran has become one of the best-known attorneys in the country. He attended West Elementary School and was a member of Little Union Baptist Church before moving to California and establishing his career. Cochran has given of his time and money to help local organizations such as the Caddo Community Action Agency, which offers support for low-income families. He has given the agency money for its Headstart Program and land for future use and has served as a speaker at the agency's annual Paul Lynch Awards Banquet at no cost. Cochran is the only attorney to receive both civil and criminal Trial Lawyer of the Year awards from the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association.
 TILLMAN FRANKS - 2003 Inductee
Tillman Franks came to live in Shreveport with his family at age two. Franks has a long and varied history as a manager, songwriter and musician. He took part in the opening night of the Louisiana Hayride in 1948 as a bass fiddle player. He helped performers such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Horton and Hank Williams Sr. early in their careers by finding venues for them to play. Under Franks’ guidance, Horton produced a string of number one hits such as “The Battle of New Orleans”. Franks also served as a guitar instructor to the likes of Merle Kilgore, Jerry Kennedy and Tommy Sands. He and friend Claude King released a song entitled “Cowboy in the White House” that urges support for the president.
 DAVID TOMS - 2003 Inductee
Shreveport resident David Toms has established himself as a major force on the PGA Tour. This former Airline High School and LSU star turned professional in 1989 and has scored an impressive number of victories, including his win at the 2001 PGA Championship. His ace on the par-three 15th hole provided one of the tournament’s most memorable moments. In 2002 Toms made his first appearance as a member of the Ryder Cup Team and led the U.S. squad with a 3-1-1 record, which included a win over Sergio Garcia. His career earnings have surpassed $14 million. He earned his PGA Tour card in 1991 after an outstanding college career in which he was First-team All-American in 1988-89 and was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Year.
 HUDDIE LEDBETTER - 2004 Inductee
Huddie Ledbetter, known by the nickname Leadbelly, was born near Mooringsport, Louisiana in 1889 and overcame poverty and many other hardships to become a pioneer folk singer and musician. His musical achievements helped pave the way for other musical styles such as blues and rock and roll. He spent time in Shreveport in the early 1900s and traveled throughout Louisiana and Texas, supporting himself as a performer. In 1933, he came to the attention of song collector John Lomax who recorded and released Ledbetter's music for the first time. Ledbetter is best known for songs such as “Goodnight Irene,” “Rock Island Line” and “The Midnight Special” which were covered by singers such as Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra. In 1988 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
 HANK WILLIAMS - 2004 Inductee
Born in Mount Olive West, Alabama in 1923, Hank Williams began his music career as a teenager, giving radio performances and making regional appearances with his band, the Drifting Cowboys. As his regional popularity grew, he gained the attention of music executives in Nashville, Tennessee and signed his first record deal in 1947. Shreveport radio station KWKH became interested in Williams, and in August of 1948, he joined the station’s Louisiana Hayride show. Williams career reached new heights in early 1949 with the release of his song “Lovesick Blues.” The song reached number one and remained there for sixteen weeks. This success gave Williams the opportunity to sing on the Grand Ole Opry. Williams was one of the first inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, and although his career was short, his impact on the music industry is still being felt today.
 HANK WILLIAMS, JR. - 2004 Inductee
Hank Williams, Jr. was born in Shreveport in 1949 and began performing at an early age. Affectionately nicknamed Bocephus by his father, he made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry at age 11. Early in his career, Williams had hits such as such “Standing in the Shadows” and “All for the Love of Sunshine,” which reached number one on the charts. He survived a nearfatal mountain climbing accident in 1975 and came back strong after his recovery with two Top Ten singles - “Family Tradition” and “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.” His success continued in the 1980s with hits such as “Texas Women” and “Dixie on My Mind,” and he was named Entertainer of the Year five times by the Country Music Association. Williams gained a whole new legion of fans when he began proclaiming, “Are you ready for some football?” to kick off ABC’s Monday Night Football. His efforts for the network earned him four Emmys. He is the first country music artist to ever receive an Emmy. His appeal continues to stretch across musical boundaries
 MERLE KILGORE - 2004 Inductee
As a teenager at Byrd High School, Merle Kilgore decided he wanted to work in show business. It didn’t take him long to establish himself in his chosen career field. After graduating in 1952, Kilgore wrote his first number one hit “More and More,” which became a million seller for Webb Pierce in 1954. Other hits followed including “Ring of Fire,” which was recorded by Johnny Cash. Kilgore also had chart-topping records as a singer. His self-penned “Dear Mama” hit the top ten and was followed by “Love Has Made You Beautiful,” “42 in Chicago” and “Fast Talking Louisiana Man.” Kilgore's resume also includes work as an actor. He has appeared in films such as Coal Miner's Daughter, and Nashville and he played himself in the TV movie Living Proof, the life story of Hank Williams, Jr. Kilgore’s many awards and honors include the Country Music Association’s Manager of the Year.
 JIM McCULLOUGH and JIM McCULLOUGH, JR. - 2005 Inductees
Long time Shreveport residents Jim McCullough, Sr. and Jim McCullough,Jr. are known for their work in film as actors, writers, directors, producers, and distributors. Jim McCullough Productions has filmed eleven of twenty-eight films in Louisiana and the McCulloughs are best known for their work on the family classics WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, PART II, and the remake of the original story released in December 2004 by Disney, featuring pop singer Dave Matthews. Other films include the CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE, THE CHARGE OF THE MODEL T'S, THE ST. TAMMANY MIRACLE, and THE AURORA ENCOUNTER.
 SKY RYLAND-MILLER - 2005 Inductee
Skye Ryland-Miller, a Shreveport native, has a long list of accomplishments as a champion in the sport of bodybuilding. She won the 1987 Southern Classic, the 1988 Miss Louisiana, the 1989 Junior National and the 1990 Russian Open. Ryland has been a professional bodybuilder since 1992 and has finished in the top-10 in every professional competition she has entered. She won the middleweight division of the World Women's Amateur Bodybuilding Championships and was inducted into the Sports Museum of Champions in 1992. She is a former World title holder who has appeared in many fitness publications including Flex, Muscle & Fitness and Ironman. She is the only competitor who has competed in all three categories of her sport; bodybuilding, fitness, and figure.
 FRANK PAGE - 2005 Inductee
Frank Page is often referred to as the Dean of Shreveport radio. He has the longest continuous tenure of any announcer in Shreveport and, perhaps, the entire state of Louisiana. Frank Page has introduced America and the world to many of the top country music entertainers from the stage of the Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium. He is widely respected both nationally and internationally for his vast knowledge of Louisiana, Shreveport, KWKH and the Louisiana Hayride. Page continues to spread the northwest Louisiana story through his collaborative writing and music producing efforts and through his years of experience, he has become an international ambassador for northwest Louisiana’s rich musical heritage.
 TERRY BRADSHAW - 2005 Inductee
Terry Paxton Bradshaw was born in Shreveport on September 2, 1948. He played football at Woodlawn High School and Louisiana Tech, and was the first player chosen in the 1970 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He led the Steelers to six AFC Championship gains and eight straight play-off appearances. Bradshaw still holds the Super Bowl passing records for average gain per attempt in a career (11.1 yards) and average gain in a game (14.71 yards). He is a twotime Super Bowl Most Valuable Player and a fourtime All-Pro. Bradshaw is the all-time leader in passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the NFL Player of the Year in 1978 and in 1979. He shared the Sports Illustrated Man of the Year Award with Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bradshaw began his broadcasting career as a guest commentator in 1980. In 1984, he became a game analyst with CBS Sports. TV Guides Reader Poll named him America’s Favorite Sportscaster, and today he is recognized as an NFL studio personality with FOX NFL Sunday. His long list of accomplishments includes film actor, musician and author.
 FARON YOUNG - 2006 Inductee
Faron Young, internationally celebrated recording artist and entertainer, born and raised in Shreveport, LA, produced nearly 100 albums of American Country Music, predominantly in the honky tonk genre, with hits including “If You Ain’t Lovin”, “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Alone With You”, ”Hello Walls” which was written by Willie Nelson, and “Four in the Morning”. He also appeared in no less than 10 films, which is where he earned the nickname “The Singing Sheriff”. He was discovered by another country music star Webb Pierce, who brought him here for his first solo appearance in 1951, the home of the renowned Louisiana Hayride to perform.
 CENTENARY COLLEGE CHOIR - 2007 Inductee
Centenary College Choir, founded by Dr. A.C. "Cheesy" Voran in 1941, and directed by Dr. Will K. Andress since 1974, has concretized throughout the world for 65 years. Singing for front-line troops in Korea, many American and European heads of state, NATO and American armed forces worldwide, ten international conventions of Lions International, three times for the General Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Council of Bishops, and two lengthy engagements at New York's "Radio City Music Hall”, the Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient’s Banquet and seven Christmas receptions in The White House are included on the choir’s long list of past performances. The Centenary College Choir is well respected at home in Shreveport and abroad. Invitations to perform internationally have been accepted and have led the choir to 31 nations on six continents: North America, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. Years of extensive travel have earned the choir the media title of "America's Singing Ambassadors." As a unique collegiate choral group, this choir’s varied repertoire includes both sacred and secular music, from Bach to Broadway, folk to contemporary, and opera to oratorio.
 CLAUDE KING - 2007 Inductee
Claude King, Louisiana Hayride Legend, songwriter and musician Claude King, a lifelong resident of northwest Louisiana, is best known for his recording of the song “Wolverton Mountain”, which topped the charts in 1962. Other recordings include "Flying Saucers" b/w "I Want To Be Loved", a Bailes Brothers song which later became a hit for Johnnie and Jack. King also wrote “A Wedding Ring Ago”, which was recorded by Kitty Wells and “That Heart Belongs to Me” recorded by Webb Pierce. Johnny Horton recorded several of King’s songs including "She Knows Why", "Take Me Like I Am", and "I Don't Like I Did". Claude signed with Columbia in 1961 and his first single, "Big River, Big Man", climbed to #7 on the country charts. The follow-up, "The Comancheros", also reached the top ten. Then, in 1962, came "Wolverton Mountain". The next hit was a Johnny Horton-styled historical saga "The Burning of Atlanta", followed by "I've Got The World By The Tail", "Sheepskin Valley", and "Building a Bridge". Although nothing came close to the success of "Wolverton Mountain", Claude was a consistent presence on the charts for the next decade. King made appearances at many popular venues including the American Bandstand and the Grand Ole Opry. He also appeared in two feature films, "Swamp Girl" and "Year of the Yahoo", as well as the 1982 television miniseries "The Blue and the Gray.
JIM REEVES - 2007 Inductee
Born and raised in nearby Panola County, Texas, Jim Reeves was a master of many talents. He was a professional baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals before moving on to radio broadcasting. He spent several years with KSIG in Gladewater and KGRI in Henderson, TX, before moving to KWKH in Shreveport. This move proved to be another turning point for Jim Reeves. It was late 1952, Reeves was hosting the legendary KWKH La. Hayride and the scheduled Hank Williams was a no show. Reeves once again stepped up to the plate—this time to share his singing talent. His performance was well received and Abbott Records signed him. Reeves went on to record “Mexican Joe”, which quickly climbed to number one. Hit after hit followed and he became a full-time member of the Louisiana Hayride. In 1955, he moved to the RCA label and joined the Grand Ole Opry where he developed his distinctive style of country music that made him a superstar and earned him the nickname “Gentleman Jim”. Throughout the 50’s and early 60’s, Reeves topped the charts with hits like “Four Walls” and “Welcome to My World”. He was at the height of his career in 1964 when his private plane crashed outside of Nashville on July 31. In 1967, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and two years later, the Academy of Country Music instituted the Jim Reeves Memorial Award. It has been over 40 years since the death of Jim Reeves yet he remains as country music’s foremost international ambassador.
 EUGENE MOSLEY - 2008 Inductee
Eugene Mosley is a jazz enthusiast and celebrity artist residing inShreveport, Louisiana, who creates masterful collages of history giving recognition to legends of jazz and entertainment. Mosley’s artwork is depicted by millions of dots, arranged by hand to reveal the most memorable aspects of his legendary celebrities: Ray Charles, Wynton Marsalis, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, and more. His artwork has been featured in JazzTimes Magazine, Jet Magazine, and BET on Jazz. Mosley’s art was inducted in to the Jazz Hall of Fame at Lincoln Center in New York City. Initially Mosley’s artwork centered on the history of jazz in the Shreveport area. Since then he’s broadened to reach more of the entertainment industry including film stars Lucille Ball, John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Clint Eastwood, Will Smith, and Halle Berry. He is the official artist for the Sammy Davis Jr. Estate, and Frank Sinatra Enterprises. His art is exclusively sold at the Regis Gallery, in the Venetian Casino, Las Vegas, NV. He has been active in our community for a long time and has done much to promote the Arts and influence students to pursue their dreams as artists. His success as an artist and an entrepreneur has brought much attention to northwest Louisiana. He owns Celebrity Art International LLC and you can find his Celebrity Jazz Wine and Gourmet product collection at Wal-Mart.
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