Issue Articles
The King of Zydeco: Clifton Chenier Centennial
December 1987 still brings grief to zydeco musicians and fans. On December 12, Clifton Chenier, the beloved King of Zydeco, died at the age of 62.
Bonsoir, Catin: A conversation with Christine Balfa
Joe and Cleoma Falcon, a husband-and-wife duo, recorded “Allons à Lafayette,” Cajun music’s first commercial hit, in 1928. Ever since, women have had an ironic relationship with the genre.
Johnny Allan: Promised Land
In the 1960s and ’70s, fans jitterbugged and two stepped while Johnnie Allan sang, danced and pranced in dancehalls, like the Southern Club in Opelousas and the Jungle Lounge in Ville Platte. In 2025, Allan traded prancing for a stool at center stage.
Dwayne Dopsie
With broad shoulders, big biceps and a boyish face, Dwayne Dopsie resembles a New Orleans Saints linebacker more than a zydeco accordionist. Dopsie, 46, says his physique reflects good health he’s maintained since the age of nine or 10.
Fest Focus: Terry Huval
The Jambalaya Cajun Band, including Terry Huval, will perform on the Fais Do Do Stage at Jazz Fest on Saturday, May 7, at 11:20 a.m. Terry Huval & Sons will […]
Fest Focus: The Dopsie Brothers
Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters will perform on the Festival Stage at Jazz Fest on Friday, April 29, at 12:30 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers will […]
‘Southern Nights’ becomes new Louisiana state cultural song after lobbying by Terrance and Cynthia Simiens
Fifteen years ago, Terrance Simien was headed to the Louisiana State Capitol with a smile as wide as the 34-story building is tall. Simien, along with New Orleans music icon […]
Ancestral Grooves—Terrance Simien and friends lets the good times roll
In 1950, Louis Jordan, Fats Domino, Ruth Brown and other black artists were churning out rhythm and blues hits that built the foundation for rock ’n’ roll, soul and more. […]
Shades of Katrina: Hurricane Laura’s impact on South Louisiana musicians
Jo-El Sonnier knew the 4:30 a.m. phone call in late August couldn’t be good news. A friend told the Cajun and country music icon to pack what he could and […]
Willis Prudhomme (1931-2020)
Willis Prudhomme never told the often-heard, childhood story of zydeco accordionists who had fathers that forbid them to touch their cherished instrument. Prudhomme was 45 years old before he learned […]
