Lawrence Walker (September 1, 1907 – August 15, 1968)[2][3] was a Cajun accordionist. He is known for his original songs, including Reno Waltz, Evangeline Waltz, Bosco Stomp, and Mamou Two Step.[4]
Lawrence Walker | |
|---|---|
 Lawrence Walker's tribute CD cover | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | King of the Accordion Players |
| Born | September 1, 1907[1][2] Duson, Louisiana[1][2][3] |
| Died | August 15, 1968 (aged 60)[1] Rayne, Louisiana[3] |
| Genres | Cajun |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, accordionist |
| Instrument | Cajun accordion |
| Labels | Brunswick, Bluebird, Khoury's, La Lou, Swallow |
Biography
editLawrence Walker was born September 1, 1907, in Duson, Louisiana[1][2] to Allen Walker, a fiddle player.[5] At 13 Walker began playing in a band with his father and brother Elton, who was also a fiddler, while the family was living in Orange, Texas.[6] Their band was called "The Walker Brothers Group," and they recorded their first record in 1929 with Brunswick Records.[6] In 1936, Walker performed at the National Folk Festival.[3] 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.[2][3]
Accordion Playing
editWallker 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
editWalker wrote only original songs, many of which are still in Cajun repertoire.[2] Walker was inducted into the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997 – its inaugural year.[7]
Discography
editCompilations
- Cajun Honky Tonk – Various Artists (CD 427 Arhoolie, 1995)
- A Tribute to the Late, Great Lawrence Walker (LL-126 La Louisianne, 1995, 2000)
- Essential Collection of Lawrence Walker (SW6221 Swallow, 2010)
- Cajun Honky Tonk: The Khoury Recordings, Vol. 2 (CD 541 Arhoolie, 2012)
References
edit- ^ a b c d "SWLA Musicians Encyclopedia Index, S through Z". Retrieved October 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f Bogdanov, Vladimir (2002). All Music Guide to Rock: The Definitive Guide to Rock, Pop, and Soul (3rd ed.). Backbeat Books. p. 871. ISBN 978-0879306533.
- ^ a b c d e f "Dictionary W, Louisiana Historical Association". Archived from the original on November 20, 2010. Retrieved October 9, 2010.
- ^ Neal Pomea (Pommier). "Cajun music mp3: Hadacol it Something!". Retrieved October 9, 2010.
- ^ "Lawrence Walker – Bio, CDs and Vinyl at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved October 9, 2010.
- ^ a b Savoy, Ann Allen, ed. (1984). Cajun music: a reflection of a people. Eunice, La: Bluebird Press. ISBN 978-0-930169-00-8.
- ^ "CFMA – The Cajun French Music Association – Dedicated To Promote & Preserve Cajun Music and Culture". Archived from the original on May 28, 2010. Retrieved September 9, 2010.