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Died:
BeauSoleil
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Popular Cajun musical group. Developed an eclectic style based on strong Cajun roots mixed with various ethnic styles.
Through most of the twentieth century, Cajun culture was at the margins of
American consciousness. Isolated in southern Louisiana, its distinctive language
actively discouraged, the culture seemed to be in danger of disappearing. But
over the last thirty years, Cajun culture—especially its food and its
music—has made a strong resurgence. One of the most important forces in
the Cajun musical revival is the band BeauSoleil.
BeauSoleil is named after Joseph Broussard dit BeauSoleil ("called BeauSoleil"),
who led the resistance against the British expulsion of the French Acadians
from present-day Nova Scotia ("Le Grand Derangement"). Even though
defeated, he managed to bring a group of his people safely to Louisiana, where
they were later joined by exiles from France. They and their descendants created
the Cajun culture we know today. A deep concern for Cajun history is at the
heart of what BeauSoleil does in its music. For the members of BeauSoleil, their
music is a reflection of cultural pride and an attempt to help that culture
flourish and grow. In their early days, the musicians spent as much time as
they could steeping themselves in Cajun music by working with the leading Cajun
and Creole musicians of the older generation. Their goal was to make this music
a living tradition and allow it to change to reflect modern Cajun life. As founder
Michael Doucet said, "The more songs you play by these artists . . . the
more you learn. First you understand their musical theories, then you can create
music that fits within the tradition."
The success of BeauSoleil has been extraordinary. In their Grammy-nominated
recordings, and in their concert, TV, and radio appearances, they have brought
their unique blend of traditional Cajun music, Zydeco, jazz, country, and blues
to a large audience and made the rich Cajun culture more visible to the American
people.
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