Collection:LPB

Genre: Interview

Place Covered: Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2018-10-26

Duration: 00:27:16

Subjects: MARDI GRAS | Jones, Ted | Music | Politics | LOBBYISTS

Contributors:

• Courtney, Beth Host
• Laudun, Tika Producer
• Allen, Gary Producer
• Jones, Ted Interviewee

This episode of the series “Louisiana Legends” from October 26, 2018, features an interview with Ted Jones conducted by Beth Courtney at Jones’ home in Baton Rouge. Jones, a native of Tifton, Georgia, and a graduate of Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, is an attorney, the former chief lobbyist for the State of Louisiana in Washington, D.C., and the chairman of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianans, the organizers of the Washington Mardi Gras Ball. He discusses: playing guitar in Governor Jimmie Davis’ band; playing on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport; his two performances with Elvis Presley in 1954; his early interest in politics; the changes he has witnessed in Congress during his time as a lobbyist; his impressions of Governor Earl Long; the importance of the GI Bill; his work in securing Louisiana’s portion of the settlement for the 8g offshore oil and gas royalties; the history of the Washington Mardi Gras Ball; and what he loves about Louisiana.