Black and white historic photo of the Ballard Chefs Jug Band, all dressed as chefs and holding their instruments.

Jug Band Pioneer Earl McDonald in Louisville

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.

Events

Upcoming Events

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.

Bradley Kincaid Home – Kentucky Mountain Boy – Historic Marker

Bradley Kincaid Home – Kentucky Mountain Boy – Historic Marker

Read More
Red Foley Boyhood Home

Red Foley Boyhood Home

Read More
US-23 Country Music Highway Museum

US-23 Country Music Highway Museum

Read More
Bobby Mackey Honky Tonk

Bobby Mackey Honky Tonk

Read More
Lincoln Jamboree

Lincoln Jamboree

Read More
Louis “Grandpa” Jones Historic Marker

Louis “Grandpa” Jones Historic Marker

Read More
Merle Travis Music Center

Merle Travis Music Center

Read More
Highlands Museum & Discovery Center CMH Displays

Highlands Museum & Discovery Center CMH Displays

Read More
Muhlenberg County Music Museum in Central City

Muhlenberg County Music Museum in Central City

Read More
The Amp at Log Still

The Amp at Log Still

Read More

Digital Passport

Rewarding YourLove of Music

Track your travels along the Kentucky Music Trail with the free passport app. Simply visit participating sites to collect “check-ins”—the more milestones you reach, the more giveaways you could qualify for including concert tickets and VIP merch.