Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bois Sec singing on PBSs American Patchwork
Bois Sec singing on PBSs American Patchwork

Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin (November 16, 1915–May 16, 2007) was an American accordionist who specialized in Cajun music (called "la la music" or "la musique Creole") and was influential in what became zydeco music.

Born in Duralde in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, he earned his nickname "dry wood" because he would always be the first to run in from the fields during a rainstorm. After starting on the triangle with his cousin Amédé Ardoin and fiddler Dennis McGee, he learned traditional accordion at age 12, playing the style of Louisiana music that was a precursor to zydeco.[1] His longtime musical partner was Canray Fontenot, who died in 1995. He also performed as the Ardoin Family Orchestra with three of his sons.

In 1986, the pair were awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. Ardoin died of natural causes at a nursing home in Eunice, Louisiana.[2]

Bois Sec and Canray Fontenot playing Cajun music.
Bois Sec and Canray Fontenot playing Cajun music.

Contents

[edit] Selected discography

  • La Musique Creole
  • Allons Danser
  • Les Blues De Bayou

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Fuselier, Herman (May 18, 2007). Friends, fans mourn legendary Bois Sec Ardoin. The Daily Advertiser
  2. ^ Pareles, Jon (May 20, 2007). Bois Sec Ardoin, Musician and Nurturer of Creole Tradition, Dies at 91. New York Times

[edit] External links

 This article about an American musician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
Languages