One of the most interesting bands to come out of Shreveport/Bossier in the last few years has been The Previous Darlings, led by Jackie Don Hoskison, Jr. They are one of the larger original bands in town with seven members, and have a big sound to match. Most of the band members sing and they have very dynamic arrangements, with standout instruments being pedal steel and baritone guitar. Those two instruments in particular add a lot to the Spaghetti Western sound the band has. Baritone player Shawn Stroope describes the sound: “I’d say it’s a stew of Spaghetti Western and 1950s crooner. At least that’s what comes to my mind first. In the beginning, we had conversations about the tremolo and spring reverb used by guitarists in older records. Those conversations turned into writing original songs with that soundscape in mind.”
A lot of the original songs nod to an older time period, but also retain a fresh sound that you can hear in the current Americana movement. You can definitely hear the 50s sound in the vocals. Jackie Don and Aubre Clark trade off on lead vocals while Josh Hollis and others contribute on harmonies. Jackie describes his musical upbringing: “My first influence was George Jones back when I was a little kid, because my mom only listened to old time country stuff. Now that I’ve gotten older one of my biggest influences is Bill Callahan.”
The current lineup includes Josh Hollis (guitar/vocals), Aubre Clark (vocals), Jackie Don Hoskison Jr. (vocals/guitar), Jesse Rawlinson (guitar/pedal steel), Shawn Stroope (baritone guitar), Logan Hall (bass/pedal steel), and Jeremy Gibson (drums). The band has gone through a few members and names since the band formed. Jackie Don explains, “First we were Jackie Don and The Putmans, which no one really liked. Then we were El Matador, and then a guy from France who was a rapper sent me a cease and desist letter. So we settled on The Previous Darlings.”
One of the bigger obstacles the band has had to overcome has been Jackie Don’s health. Jackie has been dealing with heart problems since the band formed. Jackie explains, “We took an eight month break between the Daniel Romano show and now. I have had eight surgeries. I just had some sort of genetic disorder with my heart, but they say I’m well now. I went through hell to get here, but I made it none the less.”
The band has been playing more shows recently now that Jackie has been feeling better, and they have plans to get back in the studio. They are going to use recordings from Foxtrot Studios as well as Pizza Party Studios to complete a full length record. “Can’t wait for everyone to hear the album,” says Stroope. “It’s gonna take you back… and forward at the same time. I’m honored to work with these creative individuals I get to call friends.”
One of last things Jackie talked about was how he would like to see the music scene support each other as much as possible. Jackie says, “I think that all of us bands should see each other. We should support each other because Shreveport has a lot of great music right now. It’s just that people need to come see it. In my opinion we are just as good of a music town as any other.”
The next show The Previous Darlings have will be New Year’s Eve at Strange Brew with Irene & The Sleepers. This will be a great way to ring in the New Year with Strange Brew throwing some of the biggest shows in town right now. This show starts at 10 p.m. Make sure to go out and support some local music.