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Austin Pitre

Biography

Austin Pitre (February 23, 1918 – April 8, 1981) was a pioneering Cajun accordionist and bandleader born in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Raised in a musical family, Pitre received his first accordion at age six from his father and was performing at local dances by age eleven. His early exposure to the vibrant Cajun music scene of southern Louisiana shaped his energetic and theatrical style, which became his trademark throughout his career.[1][2]

In 1940, Pitre formed the Evangeline Playboys, a group that would become synonymous with the golden era of Cajun dancehall music. He was renowned for his flamboyant stage presence, famously playing the accordion standing up—often behind his head or between his knees, and without a shoulder strap—at a time when most musicians played seated. Pitre’s recordings with Swallow Records from the late 1950s through the 1970s, including classics like “Opelousas Waltz” and “Les Flammes d’Enfer,” helped define the sound of modern Cajun music, blending traditional rhythms with new instrumentation such as drums and steel guitar.[1][2][3][4]

Pitre’s influence extended beyond Louisiana, with performances at national events like the Smithsonian Festival of American Folk Life and the Newport Folk Festival. He was honored at the Louisiana Freedom Festival in 1980 for his five decades of musical contributions and was posthumously inducted into the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997. His legacy endures in the repertoire of Cajun standards and in the showmanship and innovation he brought to the genre.[1][2][3][4]

Fun Facts

  • Austin Pitre claimed to be the first Cajun accordionist to play standing up, often performing without a shoulder strap and playing behind his head or between his knees.[1][2][3]
  • He was also a skilled auto mechanic and owned a repair shop near Ville Platte, Louisiana.[1][2]
  • Pitre’s dynamic stage antics made him a favorite at Louisiana dancehalls and helped popularize Cajun music beyond regional audiences.[1][2][3]
  • He performed at prestigious events such as the Smithsonian Festival of American Folk Life and the Newport Folk Festival, bringing Cajun music to national attention.[1][4]

Associated Acts

  • Austin Pitre and The Evangeline Playboys - eponymous
  • Austin Pitre Band

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Joseph Vige Pitre - Austin’s father, who gave him his first accordion and introduced him to Cajun music traditions. (Early performances at local dances) [1920s–1930s]

Key Collaborators

  • The Evangeline Playboys - Pitre’s backing band, with whom he recorded and performed extensively. (Albums and singles for Swallow Records, including 'Opelousas Waltz', 'Les Flammes d’Enfer', 'Lakeview Special') [1940s–1970s]
  • Eston Bellow - Drummer for the Evangeline Playboys, featured on many recordings. (Live and studio recordings with Pitre) [1950s–1970s]
  • Junior Martin - Steel guitarist for the Evangeline Playboys. (Recordings and live performances) [1950s–1970s]
  • Mike Tate - Drummer and later accordionist with the Evangeline Playboys. (Tribute recordings and live performances) [1970s–1990s]

Artists Influenced

  • Modern Cajun dancehall bands - Pitre’s energetic performance style and use of drums and steel guitar influenced subsequent generations of Cajun musicians. (Dancehall Cajun repertoire, various artists’ covers of Pitre’s songs) [1970s–present]
  • Nouveau Electric Records artists - Label released a tribute album to Pitre, reflecting his ongoing influence. (A Tribute to Austin Pitre (2023), various artists) [2020s]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys 2009-04-07 Album
Opelousas Waltz 1997-01-01 Album
Opelousas Waltz 1997 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Le pauvre hobo (The Poor Hobo) (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  2. Mamou Blues (Louisiana Cajun Music Special: Bon temps rouler)
  3. Poor Hobo (Cajun Saturday Night)
  4. Les flammes d'enfer (The Flames of Hell) (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  5. Two Step de Bayou Teche (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  6. Church Point Breakdown (Opelousas Waltz)
  7. Opelousas Waltz (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  8. Rene's Special - Instrumental (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  9. Two Step a Tante Adele (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)
  10. Grand Mamou Blues (The Essential Early Cajun Recordings of Austin Pitre and the Evangeline Playboys)

References

  1. flattownmusic.com
  2. americana-uk.com
  3. americanbluesscene.com

Heard on WWOZ

Austin Pitre has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 10, 202523:34Don't Shake My TreeKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.
Nov 9, 202512:45Valse de St Landryfrom Opelousas WaltzCajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs
Oct 29, 202522:37Don't Shake My TreeKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.
Sep 24, 202523:45Don't Shake My TreeKitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A.