BASKIN, La. – Country Music Association Award Winner and Louisiana Music Ambassador Lainey Wilson picked up another honor this weekend in her hometown of Baskin, Louisiana. The rising country music star was on hand for the unveiling of Northeast Louisiana Music Trail markers dedicated to her beginnings in music. Additionally, a portion of Louisiana Highway 15 through the Village of Baskin, from LA Highway 577 north to the parish line at Big Creek, was declared the “Lainey Wilson Highway.” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who named Lainey Wilson a Louisiana Music Ambassador in 2022, helped mark the occasion with the country megastar.
In 2022, Lainey Wilson became just the fourth artists to garner six nominations in her first year at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards. She would take home awards for New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the year. Last year, Wilson was honored with the Entertainer of the Year Award at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards.
“The first time I saw Lainey, I knew she was going to be a star. We signed her early in 2022 to represent Louisiana during the mid-parade performance at the 134th Rose Parade on January 2, 2023, and we hit the jackpot,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “When she performed on our Celebration Riverboat float for millions of viewers nationally and internationally, she stole the show. I could not have witnessed a better representation of our state and our musical heritage that will Feed Your Soul.”
Lainey’s performance aboard the Celebration Riverboat during the 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, helped Explore Louisiana win their second consecutive award – the 2023 Showmanship Award – recognizing the float for the most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment.
The Northeast Louisiana Music Trail honors the rich musical heritage of that area of the state by recognizing and celebrating the musicians, music, places, stories, and people who make up the area.