In an unprecedented move Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover adds to his staff world renown musician Brady Blade Jr. as Assistant Director of Economic Development.

A native of Shreveport, Blade is an accomplished and noted rock, pop and country drummer, record producer and composer who recently resided in Stockholm, Sweden until last week when he signed-on with the City of Shreveport.

“While I’ve been blessed to travel extensively and enjoy the rich cultures of many countries, Shreveport is home, says Blade.” I thank Mayor Glover for this exciting opportunity to give back and to bring to Shreveport entertainment and business partnerships once unimaginable. This, is going to be great.”

Blade has played with Grammy winning artists Emmylou Harris and The Dave Matthews, Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Jewel, The Indigo Girls. Because of his phenomenal talent Brady Blade Jr was heralded by many of the key figures in the American music industry, as one of the most in-demand session drummers around.

A graduate of Shreveport’s Centenary College, Brady’s business savvy led him to achieve many successes in the U.S. and Europe ultimately becoming manager to the Brand New Heavies. From there, Blade expanded his business network to include production, writing, internet websites and cutting edge technology and his own record label Brick Top Recordings LLC.

“I’ve known Brady for a long time as a friend and always marveled at his business know-how. In our discussions it became clear that his expertise on the business-side of his music success represented the kind of local talent I wanted to bring back to Shreveport and be a vital part of helping our City become The Next Great City of the South,” says Mayor Glover.

Brady’s position as assistant director of Economic Development is part of a new and innovative direction Mayor Glover is taking in the area of Economic Development, which may include additional positions or reassignment of duties, depending on the outcome of the ongoing review process.

“With our emerging economies of cyber, film, music and their associated technologies such as digital, animation, pre and post production, I believe it necessary to reorganize and restructure our approach to economic development.,” says Mayor Glover. “While we continue to work with and support the more traditional approaches of recruitment, retention and expansion, adding this position will serve us well in these areas that are the future of our economy.

Just as our state and local economic development organizations are adjusting their strategies and structures, so are we here at the City of Shreveport. I’m extremely excited about what Brady Blade Jr will bring to this effort.”