Jug Band Pioneer Earl McDonald in Louisville
On the vibrant streets of Louisville, where African American musical traditions were evolving in exciting new ways, Earl McDonald rose to fame as the “king of jug players.” Born in 1885, McDonald’s passion for music took root in the lively culture of street bands, where musicians turned everyday objects into instruments—washboards, stovepipes, and, of course, jugs—to create a sound that would become iconic in early jazz and blues.
About This Venue
At the age of 15, McDonald discovered his love for the jug and soon formed the Louisville Jug Band, which became the first of its kind to play at Churchill Downs during Derby week. His band quickly gained recognition, touring New York, Chicago, and beyond, with hits like Boodle-Am Shake and Louisville Stomp. McDonald’s skill and entrepreneurial spirit helped cultivate Louisville’s thriving Black music community, influencing generations of musicians and establishing jug music as a vital part of Kentucky’s musical heritage.
Though jug music’s popularity waned after the 1930s, McDonald’s legacy as a master musician and networker lived on, commemorated today by the Earl McDonald Historical Marker. As a key stop on the Kentucky Music Trail, this site honors the man who transformed everyday objects into instruments of joy and innovation, spreading the sounds of Kentucky jug music across the globe.
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From national headliners to impromptu jam sessions, there’s always live music in the air in Kentucky. See what’s on stage during your exploration of the Kentucky Music Trail.
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Rewarding YourLove of Music
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