Biography
Belton Richard (October 5, 1939 – June 21, 2017) was an American Cajun accordionist and vocalist born in Rayne, Louisiana, celebrated as one of the most influential figures in modern Cajun music.[2][6] Richard learned the accordion at his father's knee during his childhood, though sources differ on whether he began at age five or seven.[1] During his teenage years, he was drawn to rock and roll, but his Cajun heritage ultimately prevailed, leading him to establish the Musical Aces in 1959.[1] The group became a pioneering force in Cajun music, credited as possibly the first Cajun outfit to employ the electric bass, modernizing the traditional sound.[1]
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Richard's dancehall band achieved significant popularity, and he became a prolific songwriter whose compositions have endured for decades.[1][4] He scored several regional hits with his original compositions, including "Un Autre Soir Ennuyant" (based on Jimmy Clanton's "Another Sleepless Night") and "Le Paradis des Musiciens."[1] Richard also recorded French-language covers of popular songs such as "The Streak" and "Behind Closed Doors," demonstrating his versatility as an artist.[1] Known for his distinctive rich baritone vocal range, Richard remained open to musical innovation, as evidenced by his 1993 album "Modern Sounds in Cajun Music."[1]
Richard officially retired in 1987 but returned to recording in 1996 with the album "I'm Back," released by Swallow Records.[1] In 1997, he was inducted into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame as one of its first honorees, and he received the Signature Award from the Rayne-Acadia Parish Hall of Honor in 2000.[1] Though he did not perform as frequently in his later years, the songs he penned decades earlier remained staples in the Cajun music repertoire, routinely performed by contemporary musical outfits.[1] Richard passed away on June 21, 2017, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as a cornerstone of modern Cajun music.
Fun Facts
- Belton Richard's Musical Aces are credited as possibly the first Cajun band to employ the electric bass, making them pioneers in modernizing traditional Cajun music during the late 1950s.
- Richard recorded a French-language cover of 'The Streak,' the novelty song that became a massive hit in 1974, demonstrating his willingness to blend contemporary pop with Cajun traditions.
- Despite officially retiring in 1987, Richard made a comeback in 1996 with the album 'I'm Back,' and the Festivals Acadiens were held in his honor in 1995, celebrating his contributions to Cajun music.
- Richard's composition 'Un Autre Soir Ennuyant' was based on Jimmy Clanton's 'Another Sleepless Night,' showcasing his ability to adapt and reimagine existing songs within the Cajun musical framework.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Richard's Father - Taught Belton Richard accordion at a young age, passing down traditional Cajun musical knowledge (Foundational accordion training) [1940s]
Key Collaborators
- The Musical Aces - Richard's primary band that he formed and fronted, pioneering the use of electric bass in Cajun music (Albums including 'At His Best,' 'Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2,' 'Modern Sounds in Cajun Music, Vol. 1') [1959-1987, 1996-2017]
- Floyd Soileau - Producer and collaborator who provided the voice of the announcer on Richard's recordings (Various recordings including French-language covers) [1970s-1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Cajun Musicians - Modern Cajun musical outfits routinely perform Richard's compositions, demonstrating his lasting influence on the genre (His original compositions including 'Un Autre Soir Ennuyant' and 'Le Paradis des Musiciens') [1960s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2 | 1970-01-01 | Album |
| The Essential Collection | 1994-10-19 | Album |
| Modern Sounds in Cajun Music, Vol. 1 | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| The Older the Wine, The Finer the Taste! | 2003-10-06 | Album |
| The Essential Cajun Music Collection, Vol. 2 | 2019-02-01 | Album |
| I'm Back | 1996-06-05 | Album |
| At His Best | 1981-01-01 | Album |
| Louisiana Cajun Music | 1978-01-01 | Album |
| Good N' Cajun | 1974-10-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Cried for You (J'ai Brailler Pour Toi) (Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2)
- Weekend Special (Cajun Music Hits)
- La jolie blonde (Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2)
- Un autre soir d'ennui (Another Lonely Night) (Modern Sounds in Cajun Music, Vol. 1)
- Give Me Another Chance (The Essential Collection)
- Oh Lucille (Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2)
- Bosco Stomp (Modern Sounds in Cajun Music, Vol. 1)
- Another Lonely Night (J'ai Été Au Bal: I Went to the Dance, Vol. 2)
- Cajun Fugitive (Modern Sounds of Cajun Music, Vol. 2)
- I Can't Stop Loving You (The Older the Wine, The Finer the Taste!)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Belton Richard has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | 13:03 | What's the Matter with My babyfrom Belton richard The Essential Cajun Music collection vol 2 | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs | |
| Dec 14, 2025 | 12:51 | Youre all I want for Christmasfrom Merry Cajun Christmas Vol I & II | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | 12:51 | Wild side of lifefrom Essential Collection | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |