Lawrence Walker
Encyclopedia
Lawrence Walker was a Cajun
accordionist
born near Duson, Louisiana
. He is known for his original songs, including Reno Waltz, Evangeline Special, Bosco Stomp, and Mamou Two Step.
. In 1936, Walker performed at the National Folk Festival
. Although known for his accordion playing, he made most of his money through rice farming. He focused on music after World War II
when he toured with his band The Wandering Aces. Walker died in Rayne, Louisiana
of heart failure.
Hall of Fame in 1997 - its inaugural year.
Cajun music
Cajun music, an emblematic music of Louisiana, is rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians of Canada. Cajun music is often mentioned in tandem with the Creole-based, Cajun-influenced zydeco form, both of Acadiana origin...
accordionist
Cajun accordion
A Cajun accordion also known as a squeezebox is single-row diatonic button accordion used for playing Cajun music.-History:Many different accordions were developed in Europe throughout the 19th century, and exported worldwide...
born near Duson, Louisiana
Duson, Louisiana
Duson is a town in Acadia and Lafayette parishes in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The population was 1,672 at the 2000 census. The town was named after Curley Duson....
. He is known for his original songs, including Reno Waltz, Evangeline Special, Bosco Stomp, and Mamou Two Step.
Biography
Lawrence Walker was the son of Allen Walker a fiddle player. At 13 Walker began playing in a band with his father and brother Elton, who was also a fiddler. They recorded their first record in 1929 with Bluebird RecordsBluebird Records
Bluebird Records is a sub-label of RCA Victor Records originally created in 1932 to counter the American Record Company in the "3 records for a dollar" market. Along with ARC's Perfect Records, Melotone Records and Romeo Records, and the independent US Decca label, Bluebird became one of the best...
. In 1936, Walker performed at the National Folk Festival
National Folk Festival (USA)
The National Folk Festival is an itinerant folk festival in the United States. Since 1934, it has been run by the National Council for the Traditional Arts and has been presented in 26 communities around the nation...
. Although known for his accordion playing, he made most of his money through rice farming. He focused on music after World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when he toured with his band The Wandering Aces. Walker died in Rayne, Louisiana
Rayne, Louisiana
Rayne is a city in Acadia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 8,552 at the 2000 census. It is nicknamed the "Frog Capital of the World", as well as the "Louisiana City of Murals".Rayne is part of the Crowley Micropolitan Statistical Area....
of heart failure.
Accordion Playing
Wallker was known for his ability as well as his showmanship on the accordion. Walker was able to please crowds as well as win many accordion contests.Legacy
Walker wrote only original songs, many of which are still in Cajun repertoire. Walker was inducted into the Cajun French Music AssociationCajun 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...
Hall of Fame in 1997 - its inaugural year.