Allen Fontenot and The Country Cajuns
Allen Fontenot and The Country Cajuns were a prominent Cajun band led by the talented fiddler and vocalist Allen Fontenot. Born on January 19, 1932, in Plaisance, Louisiana, Fontenot was a notable figure in the Cajun music scene, known for his deep connection to the genre and his unique style. He was part of a musical family from Ville Platte, Louisiana, and began playing the fiddle in his early teens, eventually forming The Country Cajuns in the early 1970s.
The original lineup of The Country Cajuns included concertina player LeRoy Veillon, guitarist Hudson Dauzat, drummer Darrel Brasseaux, and bass player John Scott. Over the years, the band saw various members join, such as Richard Riley on guitar and vocals, Irene Fruge on the rubboard, and Kermit Vinable on accordion and vocals, among others.
Allen Fontenot and The Country Cajuns gained popularity for their authentic Cajun sound, performing a mix of traditional and contemporary Cajun music, hillbilly tunes, and swamp-pop. They were regulars on the radio and appeared on major television shows like Austin City Limits. The band also made a film appearance in the 1975 movie "Hard Times."
Fontenot was not only a musician but also a radio host, gaining further recognition as a disc jockey on WSDL Slidell, Louisiana. In 1977, he opened the Cajun Bandstand in Kenner, Louisiana, which became a popular venue for Cajun music until he sold it in 1982.
The band released several albums and singles, including "Country Cajun" in 1977 and "New Orleans Cajun Love Songs" in 1984. Allen Fontenot retired from active playing but remained a beloved figure in the Cajun music community until his passing on July 30, 2013, in River Ridge, Louisiana. The Country Cajuns performed their last show in 2010, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Cajun music.