SHREVEPORT, La. — The John Gale Horton Foundation will host its inaugural fundraising event April 30 to celebrate the legacy of musician John Gale “Johnny” Horton and support future music initiatives in northwest Louisiana.
The event, titled “Honor the Music: Johnny Horton’s 101st Birthday Celebration,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hurricane Alley Live in Bossier City. Organizers said the outdoor event is free to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase. Live music will be performed by Preston Barrett & The Haze.
Foundation founder Jake Donaldson said the fundraiser is intended to support long-term investment in the regional music community.
“This fundraiser is about more than a single night,” Donaldson said. “It’s about investing in the future of music in Shreveport-Bossier and ensuring the next generation has a stage to stand on. Every dollar raised will help to harness Northwest Louisiana’s rich musical history into a living force to shape American music in the future.”
The foundation works to preserve and promote the region’s musical heritage while supporting emerging artists through scholarships and a resident artist program.
Horton, a country, rockabilly and folk singer, gained prominence in the late 1950s through performances on the Louisiana Hayride radio program in Shreveport. He later achieved mainstream success with songs including “North to Alaska” and the Grammy-winning 1959 hit “The Battle of New Orleans.”
For more information, the foundation said details are available on its website and social media channels or by email.