Shreveport's own native son, Jordan Davis, recently made a surprise visit to the Louisiana Grandstand.

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Literally, within an hour of the announcement of his show, the concert was totally sold out.  For any who might have remained on the fence about his legitimacy in the country music world, that should have settled all doubt.  He's definitely a star.

And considering the rise to stardom of several locals, including Jordan, we began to ponder what would be left in country music if it weren't for Shreveport and the Arklatex?

Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
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Just over the last few years, along with Jordan Davis from Shreveport, we've added Lainey Wilson from Baskin, La. (I realize that's a little bit of a stretch from us, but it's just over 100 miles) and as recently as last year, we've been entertained with the debut single "We Ride" from Logansport's own Bryan Martin.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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Just consider how much our area has influenced country music from the early days of the Louisiana Hayride with the likes of Elvis Presley and Hank Williams to the next golden era in the 1990's when our area contributed stars like Tracy Lawrence, Trace Adkins and Neal McCoy.

I've often said, and still contend, that a huge majority of Nashville's biggest names have roots from within a 100 mile radius of Shreveport.

We've been home to some of the biggest singers, songwriters, musicians and entertainers world wide and without our contribution, country music would have some incredible voids.

To back up my contention, just look at what we can claim here in the area with "26 Nashville Stars With Arklatex Roots."

26 Nashville Stars With Arklatex Roots

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