December 19, 2014
To be awarded in 2015, here are the Grammy Award nominees for category #51 Best Regional Roots Music Album (scroll way down to see–at least they’re in numeric order). There is one Hawai’ian and one Native American nominee.
Light The Stars. Bonsoir, Catin. Valcour Records
Hanu ‘A’ala. Kamaka Kukona. Hanu Arts & Entertainment.
Love’s Lies. Magnolia Sisters. Arhoolie Records.
The Legacy. Jo-El Sonnier. Takau Records.
Ceremony. Joe Tohonnie Jr. Cool Runnings Music
December 13, 2013
Yes, Clifton Chenier won his own Grammy award for his Alligator Records recording I’m Here in 1983. He will receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2014. Other Special Merit Awards will go to the Beatles, Kraftwerk, the Isley Brothers, and Kris Kristofferson. Grammy Awards site. Press Release. Chenier died in 1987.
November 22, 2013
Louisiana’s own Zachary Richard, liked here, loved in Francophone Canada and France has won a sixth Félix Music Award for “Artiste de la Francophonie S’étant le Plus Illustré au Québec”— “The Most Illustrious French Singer in Québec.” He was up against four European French individuals or groups. And catch his new recording Le Fou (The Fool) with 13 original and traditional songs.
September 19, 2013
Here are the Cajun French Music Association’s 2013 Le Cajun Awards for best Cajun music:
Fiddler of the Year: Jamie Bearb
Female Vocalist: Megan Brown
Best First Album or CD by a Band: T-Monde
Song of the Year: High Performance “All I Ever Loved Was You”
Traditional CD of the Year: T-Monde “Making Believe”
Accordionist of the Year: Steve Riley
Male Vocalist of the Year: Jamie Bearb
Album or CD of the Year: High Performance “That’s What Makes The Cajuns Dance”
Band of the Year: High Performance
February 11, 2013
The Cajun supergroup, Le Band Courtbouillon, consisting of Wayne Toups, Steve Riley, and Joel Savoy, has won a Grammy award for the Best Regional Roots Music Album for their self-titled recording. So even though there’s no longer a Grammy for Cajun or Zydeco music, the band bested Corey Ledet’s Nothin’ but the Best as well as Hawaiian and Native American recordings. Their label, Valcour Records, has their first Grammy and sells the album in MP3 format, so you can have it right now! And watch Wayne Toups accept it here:
December 20, 2012
Once again, the Grammy awards has lumped Cajun and zydeco together with Native American, Hawaiian and other local styles, in their Best Regional Roots Music Album category. There are two local artists: The Band Courtbouillon and Corey Ledet for his Nothin’ but the Best. The Band Courtbouillon is the Cajun supergroup, with Wayne Toups, Steve Riley and Wilson Savoy. The awards will be given out on Feb. 10, 2013.
October 25, 2012
Seventeen Louisiana-related recordings are in the pool to be nominees for the Grammy Best Regional Roots Music Album. This isn’t the actual final nomination list, just those that are considered for the list. See this article in the Lafayette, LA Advertiser for the list. The list isn’t just Cajun, Louisiana Creole and zydeco. It includes rhythm ‘n’ blues, like the Creole String Beans’ Shrimp Boots & Vintage Suits. You’ll find High Performance, Keith Frank, Chris Ardoin, Corey Ledet, Morris Ledet, Lil Nathan, the Lost Bayou Ramblers and more!
August 24, 2012
The online TecheToday.com was kind enough to list all the winners of the 2012 Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) Le Cajun Awards. Swamp pop giant Johnnie Allan won four awards. The Lafayette Rhythm Devils took two, including Band of the Year. (They’re got a new recording, Devil On A String.) Jackie Caillier and Ellis Vanicor received the Hall of Fame honor. No surprise there were awards for Joel Savoy, Chris Miller, and Janet Aguillard. Felicitations a tout! And the 25th Annual Le Cajun will be August 2013 in Rayne at the Rayne Civic Center.
August 9, 2012
The Cajun French Music Association (CFMA) has set the dates for its Le Cajun Awards for Aug. 16-18 in Cade, Louisiana. Thursday is the French speaking award, given at La Poussiere in Breaux Bridge. No time is given. Friday from 7:00 pm is the award ceremony. There is a $5 admission fee. And the music festival is Saturday, doors open at 9:00 am and music starts at 10:00 am. Artists are: Paul Daigle (10 am – 1 pm), The Young Generation (1:15 – 2:45 pm), Walter Mouton and the Scott Playboys (3 pm – 6 pm), and Ellis Vanicor and the Lacassine Playboys (6:15 – 9:15 pm).
December 1, 2011
In the catch-all Best Regional Roots Music Album Grammy category, you’ll find C.J. Chenier’s Can’t Sit Down (World Village) and Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboy’s Grand Isle (self-released). Use this link and scroll way down (or use Control+F to search ‘roots.’)
Cajun, Louisiana Creole and zydeco music 