● The origins of Cajun Music can be attributed to the Acadians (Descendants of early French settlers) who came to Louisiana beginning in 1764 after their expulsion from Acadia (Nova Scotia ) in 1755 brought with them music that had its origins in France, but that had already been changed by experiences in the New World through encounters with British settlers and Native Americans.
● Taking stories with European origins and changing them to refer to life in Louisiana or inventing their own tales, early balladeers would sing without accompaniment at family gathering or special occasions. The fiddle supplied music for dances, in additions to “a cappela” dance tunes that relied on clapping and stomping to provide the rhythm.
● The music of the Acadians in Louisiana in the 19th century was transformed by new influences: African rhythms, blues, and improvisational singing techniques as well as by other rhythms and singing styles from Native Americans. Some fiddle tunes and a few ballads came from Anglo- American sources.
The two most recognizable branches of Cajun Music are
● Creole: Combing African Rhythms, and soulful melodies along with French Tradition.
● Zydeco: The instruments include Accordion, Scrubboard, and Triangle. Music incorporates the styles of Rock N Roll, Blues, and later into Rap, Reggae. SOME BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CAJUN MUSIC
• Usually French Spoken, but later music includes English and other languages.
● Accordion is at the center of the sound, but other instruments such as fiddle, and triangle. Later music includes Scrubboards, and more common instruments such as saxophone and drumset.
● Music drives forward with energy (Dance Music)
● Harmony is simple, usually the I (tonic) and V (Dominant)
Some Notable Cajun Musicians:
Dennis Mcgee, Cleoma Falcon, Sady Courville, Amede Ardoin, The Balfa Brothers, Clifton Chenier (Zydeco), Andrew Cormier, Dallas Roy, Joseph Falcon.
Amede Ardoin Clifton Chenier Dennis McGee 1898-1941 1925-1987 1893-1989