Like Pac-Man video games, Eddie Murphy movies and the Sony Walkman, country music thrived in the 1980s.
And Russellville singer/songwriter Luke “L.A.” Shepherd is hosting a night of music that will include some of the most popular songs from the decade when country music was still country.
An '80s Country Tribute with L.A. Shepherd and the Noise is set for Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m., at Russellville's historic Roxy Theatre. Tickets for the show are $7 for reserved seats in the front eight rows and $5 for general admission seating.
Tickets are available by calling 256-668-2708 or 256-332-0214, and at WGOL-FM studios, 113 Washington Ave. NW, Russellville. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the show for $8 and $6.
Shepherd, 26, grew up around classic country music within his family. He's the great nephew of Earl “Peanutt” Montgomery, who penned 73 songs for the legendary George Jones.
Shepherd's father, Paul, plays keyboard in the band, and his mother, Debbie Nale, also has country royalty in her blood. She's the niece of Melba Montgomery, who had the number one hit No Charge in 1974.
Joining Shepherd and his father on stage for the full-band show will be T.J. Beasley on acoustic guitar, former Tharptown football legend Mike Rice on lead guitar, Evan Lane on drums and Nathan Lane on bass guitar.
The 90-minute show will include hit after hit from the decade that most influences the young artist in his music.
“Because it was such an influential decade of true country music, I believe the songs still tell true stories and represent what country music was supposed to be,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd will perform hits by Don Williams, Alabama, George Strait and many other country stars, including the artist that most influenced his music, John Anderson.
“He had a real unique perspective on who he wanted to be as an artist, and I think it not only benefited his career, but it also benefited country music as a whole,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd signed a management contract with Gravel Road Nashville in July in what he believes was a major step for his musical career.
“They represent me on a national basis and act as my representative to talk to certain venues, particularly out of state,” Shepherd said. “They will introduce my music to people and places I don't know about or don't have communication with.”
Shepherd has two shows scheduled in Indiana next month through Gravel Road Nashville, but he's thrilled to be playing his first headlining show in his hometown of Russellville.
“It's really cool and different and exciting to play before people in Russellville," he said. "I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and some who maybe haven't heard me play. They all can come to a family-friendly show and enjoy good music in a beautiful theater where so much history has taken place.”
Shepherd expressed his appreciation to the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council for allowing him to perform at the Roxy, and he hopes it will be the first of many future performances.
“This will be a fun night of music with songs I hope everyone will know and sing along to," he said. "When you're on stage and you see the audience engaged in your music, it really goes a long way to make it a better show for everyone.
“If you loved country music in the 80s, I guarantee you'll want to sing along to many of the songs we'll play that night."
