Chris Stafford, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, and founding member of the band Feufollet was killed in a car crash in Lafayette, Louisiana, on May 2, 2024. He was 36.
A Lafayette native, Stafford was an essential figure in the local music scene. Stafford co-founded the Cajun band Feufollet at the age of 12. His passion for music was not just a career but a calling that saw him play with nearly every band in the region. He embodied the joke printed in an Acadiana Profile feature on Stafford: “There are 100 bands in town, but only 10 musicians.”
In 2015 OffBeat’s Roger Hahn profiled Feufollet, said the following: “Every once in a while, a band comes along that you think might be really special, a band that makes you wonder what they might be capable of—what might be possible for them. Feufollet (fe-fi-LAY in Cajun French, fe-foo-LAY en Anglais) is one of those bands. Born from the collaboration of fiddler Chris Segura and multi-instrumentalist Chris Stafford roughly 19 years ago—when the former was just 12 and the latter only nine—Feufollet recorded their first full-length CD in 1999 (when Segura and Stafford were 15 and 12, respectively), announcing to the world that a spirited group of young musicians had arrived—Cajun legacy in hand, with youthful energy and a desire for innovation clearly chomping at the bit.”
Dan Willging in OffBeat, said of Stafford’s songwriting: “Chris Stafford’s ‘Les jours sont longs’ is stunning with its Beatlesque harmonies and sunny chords that defy any standard chord progression. Within a few years of its inception, Feufollet realized not every song had to revolve around the proverbial accordion-fiddle axis but could stand proudly on its own artistic merit.”
Roger Hahn in OffBeat, said that Stafford’s compositions “operates on several levels: as simple love song, philosophical inquiry, and wisely turned piece of wisdom.”
Nick Pittman in OffBeat, said of Feufollet: “Old school indie flavor meets slightly post punk style and a mellow feel to dash any preconceived notions of what Feufollet is.”
Cajun folklorist Barry Ancelet in OffBeat said of Feufollet: “They’re doin’ real stuff, man, they’re the real deal. And they keep pushing their own boundaries, on their own, just to keep getting better. They’re just amazing.” Of Stafford death, Ancelet said: “He played anything that made predictable noise. The loss of Stafford will have a ripple effect in the community because he was involved in so many bands and projects and owned a recording studio.”
Tributes on Facebook include the following:
“A day after the uplifting news of a hometown musician playing with the Rolling Stones comes the heartbreak of a cherished music maker passing away. The multi-talented musician and producer Chris Stafford died today in an auto accident on Pinhook Road in Lafayette. Chris was a founding member of the children’s Cajun band, Feufollet. He was only 36. Hugs to his family, fellow musicians and many fans.”—Herman Fuselier
“This is so devastating for Lisa, his family and the community. The tears just won’t stop…. Chris was the kindest and most multi-talented soul.”—Marcella Simien
“Such terrible news.”—Scott Billington
“Terrible, Heartbreaking! Iconic talent much Loved. Love you Lisa.”—Johnny Palazzotto
“I’m at a loss of what else to do with this heart-wrenching sadness and helplessness, so I guess I’ll write. I’m horrified to find out our little genius musical brother passed away this morning from a car accident. I have known Chris Stafford for most of my life and never did I think I’d hear the news that I heard today. Chris was always a kind soul and just a wonderful human if I’ve ever known one (not to mention the most amazing musician I’ve ever met)! My heart goes out to his wonderful loving family and girlfriend. I cannot even fathom the pain they are experiencing and what I wouldn’t give to comfort them. We are all in disbelief and shock, feeling like I awoke to the wrong altered universe this morning.”—Wilson Savoy
“Horrible news, so beloved and respected, so brilliantly multi-talented, such a great loss.”—Ben Sandmel
“You will be missed my friend. Those of you who knew Chris knew how amazing this guy could be. A master at any instrument he touched, such a kind soul. Prayers to his family and friends who were family. I’m so sorry, yall.”—Lane Mack
Feufollet is scheduled to perform at Jazz Fest on Saturday May 4. Funeral arrangements are pending.
