SHREVEPORT, La. – A half-century ago, the grassy hillside next to the Clyde Fant Parkway was alive with the sounds of legendary musicians and the cheers of thousands of fans. Today, the historic Veterans Park Amphitheatre sits abandoned, hidden by overgrowth and memories.
Built to celebrate the United States Bicentennial in July 1976, the outdoor venue launched with a performance by iconic blues singer Etta James. For years, it served as a major cultural hub for the Ark-La-Tex region.
“The first show was Etta James.” said John Andrew Prime, who covered the region’s booming music scene for The Shreveport Times. Prime recalled a golden era when 4,000 to 5,000 people would crowd the hillside to watch rock and blues royalty…