Biography
The Magnolia Sisters is an all-female Cajun music band founded in 1995 by Ann Savoy and Jane Vidrine in southwest Louisiana, evolving from their decade-long collaboration to bring a woman's voice to traditional Cajun music while preserving its soulful, gutsy essence. Led by multi-instrumentalist, author, record producer, and photographer Ann Savoy—who notably recorded the Grammy-nominated album 'Adieu False Heart' with Linda Ronstadt—the group plays a wide range of French music styles from Louisiana, including dancehall Cajun, primitive Creole, house music, and front porch ballads, reviving long-buried Cajun songs with fresh interpretations.[1][2][4][6]
The band's core members include Ann Savoy, Jane Vidrine, Anya Burgess, and Lisa Trahan, with earlier lineups also featuring Christine Balfa; they are not biologically related but bonded by their deep passion for Cajun traditions. Louisiana natives like Lisa Trahan (daughter of accordionist Harry Trahan and grand-niece of 1920s recording artist Bixby Guidry, raised in Scott) and Christine Balfa (youngest daughter of legendary Dewey Balfa, from rural Tepetate near Basile) bring authentic roots, while all members perform in other acclaimed bands such as Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band, Nez-Piqué, Vieux Temps, and Balfa Toujours. Their repertoire stays faithful to old-time sounds but offers feminine perspectives on traditionally male-viewpoint songs, incorporating American folk tunes in English, and they perform at festivals, weddings, and have toured extensively in Europe and the US.[3][6][7]
With releases like their debut self-titled CD and later albums such as 'Stripped Down' on Smithsonian Folkways, the Magnolia Sisters have earned Grammy nominations for their two most recent CDs, praised as gifted musicians and trusted folklorists keeping Cajun traditions alive. Based in Lafayette, Louisiana—the heart of Cajun country—they challenge the male-dominated history of the genre, which began with recordings by Joe and Cleoma Falcon in 1928, by providing a distinctive 'woman's touch' to this rustic heritage.[6][9][10]
Fun Facts
- The band members are not biologically related but share such tight musical chemistry that listeners often mistake them for sisters, as noted by Bluesrag Magazine.
- They provide feminine reinterpretations of Cajun songs traditionally sung from a male perspective, adding a unique twist to classics.
- All members juggle the band with other groups and family life, including performances with spouses in outfits like Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band and Balfa Toujours.
- Their two most recent CDs received Grammy nominations, highlighting their role in preserving Cajun music as per Billboard Magazine.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Harry Trahan - Father of Lisa Trahan (Accordionist influencing family tradition) [pre-1995]
- Dewey Balfa - Father of Christine Balfa (Legendary Cajun fiddler) [pre-1995]
- Bixby Guidry - Grand-uncle of Lisa Trahan (1920s recording artist) [1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Ann Savoy - Founding member, leader, multi-instrumentalist (All band albums; Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band) [1995-present]
- Jane Vidrine - Founding member (All band albums; Nez-Piqué with husband John) [1995-present]
- Lisa Trahan - Member, singer/musician (All band albums; Vieux Temps, L'esprit Cajun) [1995-present]
- Anya Burgess - Member (Band albums) [current lineup]
- Christine Balfa - Early member (Early band recordings; Balfa Toujours with husband Dirk Powell) [1995-early 2000s]
- Linda Ronstadt - Recording collaborator with Ann Savoy (Adieu False Heart (Grammy-nominated CD)) [recent pre-2010s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Magnolia Sisters has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 28, 2025 | 12:49 | Dedans le sud de la Louisianefrom Chers Amis | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |