BASKIN, La. (RFD NEWS) — A new marker on the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail is honoring the life and legacy of singer-songwriter and music producer Jerry Cupit, whose roots in agriculture and country music helped shape generations of artists.
Friends, family, and community members gathered for the unveiling of the newest trail marker, located beside one dedicated to country music star Lainey Wilson.
Wilson has often credited Cupit with helping launch her career after she moved to Nashville.
“When I first moved to Nashville back in 2011, I was chasing this crazy dream, and Jerry actually let me park my camper trailer outside of his studio for three years,” Wilson said. “That parking lot became a home. More than that, it became a place where I learned who I was as an artist, a songwriter, and even more than that, a person.”
Before his success in the music industry, Cupit worked on local farms, driving tractors during his younger years. Wilson’s grandparents also played a role in his journey, helping fund his move to Nashville so he could pursue a career in music.
“He was just her second daddy,” said Wilson’s grandmother, Madge Wilson. “He watched after her. She didn’t get to go out at night if he didn’t know it.”
The unveiling took place among the corn fields still farmed by Wilson’s father, highlighting the deep connection between agriculture and the region’s musical heritage. Family and friends reflected on Cupit’s love of music and faith, while country artist Ken Mellons traveled from Nashville to perform “Jukebox Junkie,” the No. 1 hit he co-wrote with Cupit.
For Baskin Mayor Layton Curtis, the recognition is a source of pride for the small farming community of roughly 200 residents.
“Lainey’s dad does a lot of farming here,” Curtis said. “People who love on each other. That’s what we’re about.”
Although Cupit passed away before witnessing Wilson’s rise to country music superstardom, she believes his influence continues to be felt.
The Northeast Louisiana Music Trail now features nearly 30 markers recognizing the artists, musicians, and venues that helped put the region on the musical map.
