Cajun music helps Coz Fontenot through house fire, wheelchair life

Ann Savoy's landmark book of 1984, “Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People,” gave a voice to Cajun, Creole and zydeco pioneers, many of whom had never been interviewed. Savoy also told their stories through photos, sheet music and English translations of classic French lyrics. More than 35 years after its release, Savoy's milestone will soon have a second volume.

Recorded before the pandemic, Geno Delafose talks about his loyal fans, cattle farm, a car-hauling service, a new wife and a “content” life.  "The world doesn't owe me a thing." Hear the entire conversation in this episode of Cajun and Creole Talk.

Ann Savoy and Jane Vidrine earned Grammy nominations as founding members of the all-female Cajun band, the Magnolia Sisters. Along the way, these mothers and wives raised children who are Grammy-nominated musicians, artists, cooks and more. Some of the same songs that rocked their children to sleep are in their latest CD and booklet, “Fais Do Do: Louisiana Lullabies.”

Courtney Granger quit school to escape bullying and travel to faraway places as a Cajun fiddle prodigy. Granger won Grammy nominations with his fiddle mastery and a haunting, old soul that oozed through his young voice. Only 37 years old, Granger is cutting back on music after life-long illness has left him in need of a kidney transplant.

The son of a zydeco pioneer, Jeffery Broussard brought new energy to the music in the 1980s and '90s. Young Creoles, who used to run away from the “old folks music,” flocked to his dances and craved accordion lessons. Broussard has turned back to the clock to his traditional roots, with guidance from a new wife and strong Christian faith.

I first heard this music at the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles in Lafayette, where  I saw Jeffery Broussard play a cajon drum box while his sisters sang and performed Jure.  This great musical tradition has almost been lost.  Please listen to this episode and help us keep the tradition alive. Nick Poulos Executive Producer

Herman sits down for a very moving conversation with legendary Cajun musician  Coz Fontenot