Here's a review of Logan's Hayride book:
- Want all the down-and-dirty intrigue of Country Music Babylon without having to hide the book guiltily between the covers of an issue of Third Coast Music? Horace Logan, the producer of the Louisiana Hayride, the long-running country music showcase in Shreveport, packs it all in here — mysterious deaths, crazy drunks, shameless adulterers — but without coming across as the slightest bit creepy, sleazy, or exploitative. This, after all, is the world of celebrity and artistry, the world of country music as it was meant to be — gritty, unpredictable, and full of heartbreak.
Centered around the Hayride's unquestioned greats — Hank Williams and Elvis Presley — Logan also manages to give us plenty of personal, inside looks at the lives of George Jones, Johnny Cash, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Slim Whitman, Kitty Wells, et al., and though Logan uses the phrase "I discovered" a lot, he comes across not as a pompous windbag (save that honorific for "Colonel" Tom Parker) but as a man beaming with pride over having had anything to do with helping these incredible talents with getting their breaks. That's why the Hank and Elvis material, though covered in myriad forms elsewhere, still seems fresh — thankfully, Logan seems blessed with a photographic memory as well as an ear for talent.
Logan is not afraid to throw stones if there's a need for it, either — he is not afraid to tear the much bigger Grand Ole Opry several new f-holes over the ways Opry personnel treated him and some of his beloved acts (if you think that the Nashville elite were happy about the coming of Elvis, think again!). In fact, one of the longer chapters in the book is dedicated to the years-long "feud" between the Hayride and the Opry, which did nothing but hamper careers and foster bitter memories. But he also makes it clear that his chief rivals at the Opry did much for country music as well.
Taken as a whole, though, the tone of Louisiana Hayride overcomes the tragedies of some of its subjects and the unpleasantness of some of its situations to present itself as a cry of celebration for the truly American magic that is real, old-fashioned country music.
Article comments
1 - Courtney
That is a wonderful review of a really fascinating book. Horace Logan is my grandfather and up until his death he was just as sharp and funny as he is in the book. He genuinely enjoyed all of the artists he worked with and kept many stories private to protect those artists. When he started in radio they did not have the high tech microphones they now have and his deep resounding voice and unique intonations are some of the things that made him so popular and special. I hope everyone enjoys the memories he left behind in this book.
2 - monty ray garrison
hi. i am related to horace logan. i'm not sure how. my grandparents were herrons in monroe louisiana. i think my mother cornelia herron garrison was horace logan's neice. do you know us? i'd appreciate corresponding with you. i live in calcata, italy.
monty ray garrison, III (known as pancho)
3 - Gale
To Monty Ray Garrison (Pancho)
I am Horace Logan's daughter and I can give you some info about the name Herron. My father's mother was Pearl Louise Herron, born in Mer Rouge, Lousiana in 1900. She was one of several children born to Emma Lainge Herron and (Mr. Herron?). My father, Horace Lee Logan, Jr. was born on August 3, 1916 in Mer Rouge, LA. to Pearl Louise Herron Logan, and H. L. Logan, Sr. My father has one brother, Daniel Herron Logan, always called Bobby, born July 27, 1920. He now lives in Longview, TX.
I know there were Herron cousins in Lousiana over the years, but can't say I personally remember a Cornelia. It certainly sounds like you are related to Horace Logan on the Herron side. By the way, Courtney is my daughter.
4 - Fabris G.Luca
Message for Mrs Gale Logan's and her daughter Courtney
Dear Mrs Gale,
My name is Fabris G.Luca,38 years old.I'm studying,and loving Elvis Presley since I was 11 years old.
I was deeply sorry when I heard about your father's death.
I'm an Elvis researcher expecially on the early days.I particularly like
the Louisiana Hayride days and so I started doing researches on this and
trying to meet and interview as much people as I could.
I also met Mr Frank Page this year,I met Joey Kent,I know Mr Norman Bale,Robert C.Sullivan,Jane Rogge...
I'm also a private collector and I have some good pieces which I'm very
proud of.......As told I'm doing this research to obtain historic elements
and souvenirs.I'm interested in acetates,recordings,posters,photos......and to contact as many persons that were 'there' as possible to remember with them!!
All these researches are in relation to a book/CD project for the Elvis
fan club network. It's a 3/4 CD 200 pages book about Elvis stay at SUN
records done by Ernst Jorgensen which I'm now helping detailing the period from July of 1954 through the end of 1955. The book will consist of more than 400 early photos - half of them previously unpublished. It's not an attempt of once again write the story of Elvis Presley, but more a collection of information, photos, memorabilia and stories shared by fans who where there at the time. The book will not deal in gossip or other unpleasant material
it's all about the innocence of the time and the impact of Elvis' music.
We are trying to document every single show Elvis did, and we have come
fairly close.
So I'm looking for photos,recordings from Louisiana Hayride or Opry,or any
live radio gig or interview .... ANYTHING IS WELCOME FROM THE 50s!!
In particular we were told that Horace Logan family was in possession of some tapes containing an Hayride show where Elvis sang 'Only you' (Platters song),
a medley of Good rockin tonight and Rock around the Clock (Bill Haley song) and Sixteen Tons (Tennessee Ernie Ford song).
Do you still have these tapes?We would be interested to discuss with you.
Write soon
I hope this is not too much of an intrusion.
Sincerely yours
Fabris G.Luca
Elvis Fan Club of Italy Researcher
5 - Chris Middlebrooks
Hello Fabris,
I have some photo's from the Louisiana Jayride that my aunt gave me. I was wondering what they were worth or if you would be interested in buying them. Please email me at cmiddlebrooks@willstaff.net. Thanks, Chris
6 - Lynda
To Monty Ray Garrison You are indeed related to Horace Logan. Your grandfather, Benoit Herron, was a brother to Mr. Logan's mother. Your mom, Cornelia, and her brother Lee Herron were his favorite cousins. He called your mom "Beans" (a childhood thing), and I refered to her as "Peggy", as per her requst. We got together quite often while she lived in Monroe, and kept in touch when she moved to Kansas City. I was very saddened when Lee told me of her passing. If you want to know more of the family relationships, contact your Uncle Lee Herron in Monroe.
7 - Bettye
Looking for anyone who knew Horace Lee Logan's brother Daniel(Bob)Herron Logan. he is my uncle by marriage..would love photos of him and his family
8 - Gale Logan
Bettye,
My name is Gale Logan and I am Horace Logan's daughter and Bobby Logan is my uncle. He lives in Longview, Texas is now 89 years old. I talked to him on the phone just a week or two ago. He is doing well. I do have some photos of Uncle Bob and his family.
If you send me an address, I can send copies to you. Tell me how you are related by marriage to him.
Gale