Biography
The Cajun Playboys are a group deeply rooted in the traditional Cajun music scene, known for their dedication to preserving and performing authentic Cajun sounds. While there have been several bands with similar names, such as the Lafayette Playboys led by Aldus Roger and the Eunice Playboys who represented Cajun music at the Newport Folk Festival, the term 'Cajun Playboys' generally refers to ensembles that specialize in classic Cajun repertoire and style. These groups often feature accordion, fiddle, and guitar, and are known for their lively dance tunes and heartfelt ballads sung in Cajun French. Over the years, various incarnations of the Cajun Playboys have played a vital role in keeping the music alive, both in Louisiana and beyond, through performances at festivals, dance halls, and recordings that showcase the genre's rich heritage.
Fun Facts
- The Eunice Playboys were chosen to represent Cajun music at the Newport Folk Festival, marking a significant moment in the genre's national exposure.
- The Lafayette Playboys, led by Aldus Roger, hosted a popular Cajun music television show in Lafayette, Louisiana, during the 1950s and 1960s.
- Many 'Playboys' bands were named after their hometowns, such as the Lafayette Playboys and the Eunice Playboys, to highlight their regional style.
Members
- Peter Choates - double bass
- Peter Choates - fiddle
- Kevin Dugas - drums (drum set)
- Sammy Naquin - accordion
- Roscoe Thériot - fiddle
- Frank Barzas
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dewey Balfa - Influential Cajun musician and cultural ambassador who mentored many young players, including members of various 'Playboys' bands (Newport Folk Festival performances, instructional workshops) [1960s-1980s]
Key Collaborators
- Aldus Roger - Leader of the Lafayette Playboys, a prominent 'Playboys' band in the 1950s and 1960s (Lafayette Playboys recordings, KLFY television show) [1950s-1960s]
- Gladey Thibodeaux - Accordionist with the Eunice Playboys, another notable 'Playboys' group (Newport Folk Festival, Eunice Playboys recordings) [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys - Modern Cajun band that cites the traditional 'Playboys' groups as an influence (Mamou Playboys albums) [1980s-present]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cajun Party! | 2008-02-25 | Album |
| Pure Cajun | 2008-01-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Dance De Mardi Gras (Cajun Party!)
- Dance, Cajun, Dance (Cajun Party!)
- Jambalaya (Cajun Party!)
- Jolie Blonde (Cajun Party!)
- Allons a Lafayette (Cajun Party!)
- Lafayette Breakdown (Pure Cajun)
- Bosco Stomp (Pure Cajun)
- Johnny Can't Dance (Cajun Party!)
- Colinda (Cajun Party!)
- Opelousas Sostan (Cajun Party!)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Cajun Playboys has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 16, 2025 | 12:18 | Kaplan waltzfrom Pure Cajun | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |