Generations of families have made lasting impressions on the soundtrack of Louisiana and their legacies are still enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Ferriday is famous for three cousins: Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart. Lewis is behind rock ‘n’ roll classics such as “Great Balls of Fire.” Gilley earned country stardom with more than 30 hits including “Stand By Me,” sung in the film “Urban Cowboy.” Before becoming a television evangelist, Swaggart was a gospel musician and recorded award-winning albums. Learn more at Ferriday’s Delta Music Museum—its theater hosts the Louisiana Country Music Opry on the fourth Saturday of every month.

The Marsalis family’s legacy begins with Ellis, a pianist and educator who taught his sons as well as students such as Harry Connick, Jr. At age 14, his son Wynton played trumpet in funk bands, but later turned to jazz and devoted his career to the genre. Branford, an accomplished saxophonist, has played with Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Sting. Delfeayo on trombone and drummer Jason have also led successful careers as accompanists and leaders. Catch Delfeayo and Ellis weekly at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro in New Orleans.

Another set of brothers, the Nevilles, are known as the royal family of New Orleans funk. It started in 1976 when Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyril recorded with The Wild Tchoupitoulas, their uncle’s Mardi Gras Indian group. Each brother is a talent, and they share a passion for funk and blues, winning GRAMMY®s as a group and individually. Before retiring last year, they performed annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Charles’ daughter Charmaine continues the family legacy, singing regularly at Snug Harbor, and her cousins, Ivan and Ian, are members of the band Dumpstaphunk.

Visit LouisianaTravel.com to plan your musical journey.