The story behind the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Black-and-white markers are appearing across northeast Louisiana, quietly telling loud stories.

They’re part of the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail, a growing project dedicated to honoring the region’s rich but often overlooked musical heritage.

Launched as a personal passion project by founder Doyle Jeter, the trail now includes more than 25 historical markers. Each sign honors local artists, venues, and musical pioneers from towns like Monroe, Ferriday and Winnsboro, places that helped shape American music through blues, gospel, funk, and soul.

“It’s a good feeling,” Jeter said. “Everyone realizes how important it is to honor these people and this part of the state.”

For Jeter, the trail is personal. Inspired by the music he heard growing up, he felt compelled to preserve the stories of musicians who rarely received recognition at home.

“I didn’t know if it was gonna work,” he said. “I thought we’d do four or five markers for close friends, but every community we go to shows up and supports it.”

The trail is expanding, with more markers planned across the region. Jeter says the goal is simple: preserve history, one story at a time.

“In this day and age, when a lot of history is being forgotten or destroyed,” he said, “we feel like we’re a small part of keeping it alive.”

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