Cléoma Falcon
Encyclopedia
Cléoma Falcon (May 27, 1906 – April 4, 1941) was a Cajun
guitarist and vocalist born in southwest Crowley, Louisiana
. She is best known for being the wife of Joe Falcon
as well as being one of the first people to record Cajun Music. The song "Allons à Lafayette" was recorded on April 27, 1928 in New Orleans. Afterwards, she performed across southern Louisiana and Texas.
Cléoma was born into a musical family. She was the daughter of Auguste Breaux, a Cajun accordion player. She also had three brothers Orphy, Clifford, and Amadee with whom she had recorded many albums. Cléoma and her husband had an adopted daughter named Lulu who they brought to dances.
in 2002.
Cajun
Cajuns are an ethnic group mainly living in the U.S. state of Louisiana, consisting of the descendants of Acadian exiles...
guitarist and vocalist born in southwest Crowley, Louisiana
Crowley, Louisiana
Crowley is a city in and the parish seat of Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 14,225 at the 2000 census. The city is noted for its annual International Rice Festival. Crowley has the nickname of "Rice Capital of America", because at one time it was a major center for...
. She is best known for being the wife of Joe Falcon
Joe Falcon
Joe Falcon is a former US middle distance runner whose greatest success was his victory in the 1990 Oslo Dream Mile with a time of 3:49.31 minutes, which was the fastest mile in the world in 1990. In the course of the race, he ran a personal best over 1500 m of 3:33.6...
as well as being one of the first people to record Cajun Music. The song "Allons à Lafayette" was recorded on April 27, 1928 in New Orleans. Afterwards, she performed across southern Louisiana and Texas.
Family
Music career
Cléoma had an enormous impact on Cajun music. At the time, women had a significantly smaller presence in Cajun Music. Her vocals and guitar skills fascinated many people. This made her recordings very successful. Besides a successful recording career, she frequently performed in dancehalls, which was considered improper. However, she overcame this stigma, most probably because she was alongside Joe Falcon. She recorded until 1940, when she was seriously injured by a car; she died from her injuries the following year. Cléoma's importance to Cajun music was recognized when she was the first woman to be inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of FameCajun French Music Association
The Cajun French Music Association is an association dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Cajun music and culture.-History:The Cajun French Music Association is a non-profit organization of Cajuns and non-Cajuns whose purpose is to promote and preserve, not only Cajun music, but also...
in 2002.
- Ils ont Voler mon Traineau (Hip et Taiaud) Listen (MP3)
- It's a Sin to Tell a Lie Listen (MP3)
Discography
This section is a list of records that she has appeared in.- Joseph F. Falcon & Clemo Breaux (April 27, 1928)
- Cléoma Breaux With Joe Falcon & Orphy Breaux (April 18, 1929)
- Falcon Trio (February 20, 1936)
See also
- List of Notable People Related to Cajun Music
- History of Cajun MusicHistory of Cajun musicCajun music has its roots based in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians of Canada and Country music.-Early years:The first form of traditional cajun music began before the 20th century in south Louisiana. When the Acadians came from New Brunswick & Nova Scotia to Louisiana in 1764, they...