OUR FRENCH HERITAGE: Louisiana French Music
No. 19, December 29, 1998, of the Lafayette (LA) Daily Advertiser's HISTORY OF ACADIANA, a publication dedicated to preserving Acadiana's heritage and culture

The heart and soul of Acadians Cajuns, Creoles, and everyone else who came to Louisiana brought song and dance with them, creating musical forms found no place else.

1. Cajun music has gone through many changes
2. Dances: From bals de maison to the fais-dodo
3. Festivals Acadiens began with "Tribute to Cajun Music"
4. Researcher recalls Cajun wedding day
5. Joe and Cleoma Falcon were first to record Cajun music, 1928 rendition of Allons a Lafayette became big hit
6. Mayeus LaFleur killed just as record released
7. Leo Soileau's fiddle was just right for "Cajun Swing"
8. Hackberry Ramblers were the top band in the 1930s, accordion disappeared from band
9. Rayne-Bo Ramblers first South Louisiana band on national network
10. Harry Choates was one of the most popular musicians of day, He played first in barber shops for small change
11. Iry Lejeune pivotal figure in salvation of Cajun music
12. McGee, Courville played together, twin fiddle style came from early Acadian music
13. Not all Cajun songs bring a tear to the eye
14. Canray Fontenot learned from his father
15. Bois Sec Ardoin also learned from a master
16. Lawrence Walker, Aldus Roger kept the tradition alive
17. Abshire played in public at 8 years old, accordionist was among first to be recognized nationally
18. Clark and Duhon began playing together in 1920s
19. D. L. Menard got to Cajun Music through the back door
20. Dewey Balfa was important in movement to save Cajun music, Music was part of Balfa family tradition
21. Clifton Chenier put zydeco music on the map
22. Did the Attakapas Indians give us the word zydeco?
23. "Swamp Pop" sound shows South Louisiana origins
24. Readers recall clubs where they danced to Louisiana music, Hundreds of dance halls dotted area
25. Le courir de Mardi Gras in Musical, muddy celebration
26. Accordion contest held as early as 1929
27. Further Reading

Lyrics to some South Louisiana French Songs

1. Bonsoir Moreau (Goodnight Moreau)
2. La Valse du Pont D'Amour (The Bridge of Love Waltz)
3. Jolie Blonde (Pretty Blonde)
4. La Porte D'En Arrière (The Back Door)
5. Allons à Lafayette (Let's Go to Lafayette)
6. J'ai passé devant ta porte (I passed in front of your door)
7. J'etais Au Bal (I Went to the Dance)
8. Hé, Mom (Oh, Mom)
9. Grand Mamou (Big Mamou)