Jo-el Sonnier Cajun Blood CD

CAJUN BLOOD was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album.

Cajun musician extraordinaire Jo-El Sonnier pays tribute to his heritage in his 1999 CD release Cajun Blood. The album is dedicated to his mother and father, who raised their family near Rayne, LA, deep in Cajun country. It was there that the young Jo-El Sonnier was steeped in the traditions of his culture and started playing the accordion at the age of three. Now a master of the instrument, Sonnier is a favorite of audiences all over the world who enjoy his special brand of traditional Cajun music. He is known for his singing as well as his playing -- he was honored at the 1999 Golden Music Awards as male vocalist of the year. Sonnier brings those talents to bear on Cajun Blood, which was nominated for a Grammy in 2001 as Best Traditional Folk album. The recording opens with the title track, sung in French, and closes with another rendition of the song in English. Being bilingual is an option that Sonnier can now freely exercise. Cajuns have left behind the past oppression they endured, first in France, then in Canada, and finally in Louisiana, where they were shamed and punished for practicing their language and ways. Always, the proud Cajuns resisted attempts to destroy their culture. Today that culture is recognized for its unique contributions by mainstream society, affirming the pride Cajun people always have had in their heritage. Sonnier is ably assisted on the CD by musicians including Waylon Thibodeaux and Kenny Sears on fiddles, Brian Langlinais and Joe McMahon on guitars, and Joe Wright on pedal steel. Together, they perform traditional favorites, such as the "Allons a Lafayette"; standards, including D.L. Menard's signature tune, "The Back Door," Lawrence Walker's "Yo Yeux Noir," and Nathan Abshire's "Valse de Bayou Teche"; as well as songs penned by Sonnier himself. As the recording ends with the English version of "Cajun Blood," listeners are left knowing why those who carry Cajun blood are so proud of it. ~ Rose of Sharon Witmer

The music of Jo-El Sonnier is a way of life. Steeped in passion, relentless dedication...he has been the undisputed "King of Cajun" for the past 20 years and occupies a significant place in the rich artistic landscape of this country. His fans are un-deniably dedicated, while the music industry elite - Dylan, Costello and Cash, to name a few, admire his work to no end. He is a "musician's musician" with a wonderful gift to sing and entertain you in a way often imitated but never duplicated. Jo-El was born in Rayne, Louisiana to poor, French speaking sharecroppers. He began to play the accordion at three years of age, first as a toy to occupy Jo-El while his parents visited with neighbors. As he grew, so did his love for the instrument and his ability to play it. Singing only in French, his Cajun heritage was very strong and clear. News of this gifted child spread, which led to a radio debut at the age of 6 and his first recording session at the age of 11. As a favorite in local clubs, Sonnier remained a Louisiana sensation during his early life, but decided to try his luck at recording Country music and in 1974 he signed a recording contract with Mercury Records. The success he sought after continued to elude Sonnier and after four years in Nashville,he decided to try his luck in California where he beganperforming solo shows with the help of many notable friends including guitarist Albert Lee and the Band's Garth Hudson.. By the middle 80's, Jo-El had a Grammy nominated recording to his credit with Cajun Life. The recognition achieved with the success of Cajun Life provided the freedom to fuse Sonnier's deep Cajun roots with country, rock, and other pop influences. 1987 brought about a new recording deal with RCA records and the result was Come On Joe. Containing several Top 10 hits including "Tear-Stained Letter" and "No More One More Time". With radio success under his belt, Jo-El began to str