– Jo-El Sonnier Cajun Music Revival
– Jo-El Sonnier Cajun Music Legend.
Jo-El Sonnier: The Man Who Brought Cajun Music Back to Life
Jo-El Sonnier, the talented singer and accordionist who revived Cajun music within popular culture, sadly passed away on January 13th at the age of 77. The cause of his death was a heart attack, according to music promoter Tracy Pitcox. Sonnier had been airlifted to a hospital in Austin, Texas, after a performance in Llano, but unfortunately, he could not be saved.
A Revival of Cajun Music
While Cajun singers and players of stringed instruments had achieved moderate success in the 1950s and ’60s, it was not until Jo-El Sonnier burst onto the scene three decades later that Cajun accordion music truly became a sensation. His album “Come On Joe,” released in 1987, contained four Top 40 country singles, including the popular ballad “No More One More Time” and the energetic “Tear-Stained Letter,” which reimagined Richard Thompson’s original as a lively Cajun romp.
A Musical Trailblazer
Jo-El Sonnier’s virtuoso accordion work and soulful vocals brought a unique blend of Cajun, rock, swamp-pop, and jazz influences to the late 1980s country airwaves. Not only did he achieve success as a solo artist, but he also became a highly sought-after session musician, collaborating with renowned artists such as Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, and Dolly Parton.
A Versatile Musician
In addition to his accordion skills, Jo-El Sonnier showcased his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. He played concertina on Hank Williams Jr.’s rendition of the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” and added harmonica to Johnny Cash’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ “No Expectations.” Sonnier’s musical talent even caught the attention of Bob Dylan, who included his song “No More One More Time” in his live performances.
A Celebrated Career
Over the course of his six-decade-long career, Jo-El Sonnier released more than two dozen albums. In 2015, his final recording, “The Legacy,” won a Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album, solidifying his status as a true musical legend.
A Humble Upbringing
Jo-El Sonnier was born on October 2, 1946, in Rayne, Louisiana. Growing up in a family of sharecroppers, Sonnier learned to play the accordion at a young age. Despite being autistic and facing challenges with the English language, he overcame these obstacles and made a name for himself in the local music scene, performing alongside his father at a radio station in Crowley, Louisiana.
From Sharecropper to Star
After signing with Mercury Records in 1975, Jo-El Sonnier’s career began to take off. Although his early recordings did not achieve significant chart success, they caught the attention of country music legend Merle Haggard, who invited Sonnier to join his touring band. Sonnier eventually returned to his Cajun roots, releasing critically acclaimed albums for Rounder Records and achieving mainstream success with “Come On Joe.”
A Talent on the Big Screen
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Jo-El Sonnier also dabbled in acting, appearing in several movies directed by Peter Bogdanovich. His roles in films such as “Mask” and “The Thing Called Love” allowed him to showcase his musical talents on the big screen.
A Lasting Legacy
Jo-El Sonnier leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of Cajun music. His unique blend of genres and infectious energy brought joy to countless fans. He is survived by his wife of over 30 years, Bobbye Sonnier, and their son, Clayton.
In the words of Sonnier himself, “I loved the Cajun flavor of the music. I saw that it brought joy and happiness to other people when I played, so I wanted to take it to a higher place by bringing in some Cajun, country, blues, rock, and jazz.” His passion and talent will be sorely missed, but his music will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come..
1. Jo-El Sonnier sparked a revival of Cajun music
2. Jo-El Sonnier dies at 77.
