Biography
Cleveland Crochet was a pioneering Cajun fiddler and bandleader, born on January 30, 1919, in Jennings, Louisiana, and raised in Lake Charles from 1927 onward. One of nine children, he was introduced to music early by his industrious mother, who organized her children into a family band for local dances. Crochet famously built his first fiddle from a cigar box and tree branch at age twelve, using horsehair for strings, reflecting both his resourcefulness and deep connection to traditional Cajun music.[1][6]
In the 1950s, Crochet formed the Hillbilly Ramblers, later known as the Sugar Bees, performing throughout Louisiana and East Texas. His blend of dancehall Cajun with a rock & roll backbeat culminated in the 1960 single "Sugar Bee," which became the first Cajun song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #80 and reportedly selling over a million copies. Despite this success, Crochet continued to work as an ironworker to support himself, as he did not receive royalties for his hit due to label practices of the era. His recordings from 1954 to 1963 for labels like Folk-Star, Khoury's, Goldband, Lyric, and Swallow are considered foundational in the evolution of Cajun and swamp pop music.[1][2][3]
Crochet's legacy is cemented by his induction into the Cajun Music Hall of Fame and his influence on the national recognition of Cajun music. He passed away on November 28, 2011, at the age of 92, remembered for his role in bringing the vibrant sounds of southwest Louisiana to a broader audience and inspiring generations of Cajun musicians.[1][4][9]
Fun Facts
- Cleveland Crochet's first fiddle was handmade from a cigar box, a tree branch, and horsehair when he was twelve years old.
- The song 'Sugar Bee' was the first Cajun song to enter the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #80 in December 1960.
- Despite the success of 'Sugar Bee,' Crochet reportedly never received royalties from Goldband Records.
- He continued to work as an ironworker throughout his music career to support himself.
Associated Acts
- Cleveland Crochet and The Sugar Bees - eponymous, original
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Melina Trahan Crochet (mother) - Organized family band, early musical training and inspiration (Family dance performances) [1920s–1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Shorty 'Vorris' LeBlanc - Accordionist in the Sugar Bees; recorded solo works with Crochet's band (Recordings with Sugar Bees, solo tracks on Bear Family compilation) [1950s–1960s]
- Jay Stutes - Steel guitarist in the Sugar Bees; recorded solo works with Crochet's band (Recordings with Sugar Bees, solo tracks on Bear Family compilation) [1950s–1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Subsequent Cajun and swamp pop musicians - Inspired by 'Sugar Bee' breaking into national charts and blending Cajun with rock & roll (Various Cajun and swamp pop recordings post-1960) [1960s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Sugar Bee (Sugar Bee)
- Midnight Blues (Cajun Honky Tonk: The Khoury Recordings, Vol. 2)
- Sugar Bee (Swampland Jewels)
- Sha Meon Waltz (Cajun Honky Tonk: The Khoury Recordings, Vol. 2)
- Sweet Thing (Swamp Blues 2)
- Sugar Bee (Cajun Summer - Classic Artist Series, Vol. 9)
- Midnight Blues (Pinch District Blue)
- Hound Dog Baby (Best Of Hank Records, Vol. 2 - Vintage US Country And Hillbilly Heaven)
- Sweet Thing (Best Of Hank Records, Vol. 1 - Vintage US Country And Hillbilly Heaven)
- Midnight Blues (Bayou Two Step - Cajun Hits from Louisiana)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Cleveland Crochet has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 19, 2025 | 23:18 | Sugar Beefrom Hill Billy Ramblers & Sugar Bees | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. |