660. Brian Fairbanks

660. Today we’re joined by writer and cultural historian Brian Fairbanks, author of “Wizards: David Duke, America’s Wildest Election, and the Rise of the Far Right.” In this book, Fairbanks delivers a vivid account of David Duke’s 1991 run for governor of Louisiana — a campaign that shocked the country and revealed how extremist politics could slip into the mainstream. Through sharp reporting and a storyteller’s eye, he reconstructs the chaos, the media frenzy, and the deeper social tensions that made that election a turning point in modern American politics. Fairbanks brings that same clarity to a very different American saga in “Willie, Waylon, and the Boys: How Nashville Outsiders Changed Country Music.” Here he traces the rise of the outlaw movement, showing how Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and their circle pushed back against Nashville’s rigid studio system and reshaped the sound and soul of country music. He explores the rebellion, the artistry, and the cultural moment that allowed these musicians to redefine authenticity and leave a lasting imprint on American music. Beyond these two major works, Brian Fairbanks has built a reputation as a writer who connects individual stories to the larger forces shaping American life.

1. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!
2. This week in the Louisiana Anthology.
   Heloise Hulse Cruzat wrote an article on the history of the Ursuline Nuns in New Orleans.
        You have been told in eloquent periods of the founding of New Orleans, of its subsequent development, and I am to be the humble interpreter of another intimate chapter of its history: THE SHARE WOMEN TOOK IN ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
        Can we mention the French colonial days without recalling the URSULINES, who by their unfaltering courage and their steady and efficient work, incorporated their history into that of our fair city.
        Bienville realized that New Orleans would never attain his dream of greatness without education, and especially such an education of the female youth as would give worthy wives and mothers to the colonists. With this end in view, he intrusted to the Jesuit, Father de Beaubois, the care of choosing these educators. How successfully this mission was accomplished by his selection of the Ursulines of Rouen, the two past centuries have demonstrated.
         A contract was signed by the Company of the Indies and the Ursulines, approved by brevet signed by Louis XV, and on February 22nd, 1727, Mother St. Augustin, Tranchepain, with eight professed nuns, a novice and two postulants sailed on the Gironde from L'Orient.
   
3. This week in Louisiana history. January 9, 1877 Both Democrat Francis T. Nicholls and Republican Stephen B. Packard claim victory in election for governor; both take oath of office.
4. This week in New Orleans history. Andrew Jackson arrived on board the steamer “Vicksburg” on January 8, 1840 at ten o’clock in the morning, landing at the Carrollton wharf, where an immense throng had assembled to welcome “the most distinguished citizen of the country.”  The specific reason for his presence was that a cornerstone was to be laid, commemorating his victories in the Battle of New Orleans, a quarter of a century before. General Jackson laid the cornerstone in the Place d’Armes, on January 9, 1840. It was not until some years later that the monument decided upon was the one of Jackson, designed by Clark Mills, which stands in the center of the ancient parade grounds for the troops. This statue has been called the “center piece of one of the finest architectural sittings in the world.” (NOPL)
5. This week in Louisiana.
   January 10, 2026.
   Fools of Misrule Parade Historic St. John District Covington Marchers will follow the “Lord of Misrule” in a medieval-themed procession.
   The January 10, 2026 Route & Key Stops The parade follows a traditional path through downtown Covington with key festivities: Start: Seiler Bar (434 N. Columbia St.) following the members-only “Feast of Fools.”
   Stop 1 (The Crowning): The procession marches to the Covington Trailhead (419 N. New Hampshire St.) to crown the “Lord of Misrule.”
   Stop 2 (The Carouse): Revelers, flambeaux, and brass bands march along New Hampshire Street to Boston Street.
   Stop 3 (The Watering Holes): The krewe heads north along Columbia Street, stopping at local restaurants and pubs. End: The march concludes back at the Columbia Street Tap Room & Grill.
   Website: foolsofmisrule.org
   Email: membership@foolsofmisrule.org
   Phone: (985) 893-8187
   St. John Fools of Misrule
   434 N. Columbia St. Suite H20
   Covington, LA 70433
   Note for Listeners: While public, this march has a rowdy “pub crawl” atmosphere. Families should aim for the Trailhead crowning for the best experience with kids.
6. Postcards from Louisiana. Crescent City Brewhouse.

Listen on Apple Podcasts.
Listen on audible.
Listen on Spotify.
Listen on TuneIn.
Listen on iHeartRadio.
The Louisiana Anthology Home Page.
Like us on Facebook.