Biography
Michael Doucet, born February 14, 1951, in Scott, Louisiana, is a pivotal figure in the revival and global recognition of Cajun music. Raised in a French-speaking Cajun family, Doucet was immersed in traditional music from an early age, learning banjo at six and guitar at eight. Early collaborations included a folk-rock band with his cousin Zachary Richard, but a transformative trip to France in 1974 inspired him to reconnect with his Cajun roots and dedicate himself to preserving and innovating the music of his heritage.
Doucet's career accelerated after he received a National Endowment for the Arts apprenticeship grant in 1975, which allowed him to study under master Cajun and Creole fiddlers. He soon founded the bands Coteau and, more enduringly, BeauSoleil, which became the most celebrated Cajun ensemble in the world. BeauSoleil's eclectic sound blends traditional Cajun music with blues, country, jazz, and zydeco, earning them multiple Grammy Awards and international acclaim. Doucet has also performed with the Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band and Fiddlers 4, and has been a passionate educator, teaching Cajun music at the University of Southwestern Louisiana and working to pass on the tradition to new generations.
Doucet's musical style is characterized by its deep respect for tradition, technical virtuosity, and willingness to innovate. His legacy as a performer, composer, and cultural ambassador has been recognized with honors such as the National Heritage Fellowship, and his influence continues to shape Cajun and American roots music.
Fun Facts
- Michael Doucet is a two-time Grammy Award winner with BeauSoleil, including for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album.
- He restored an old Acadian house in Lafayette, Louisiana, as part of his commitment to preserving Cajun culture.
- Doucet has performed at Carnegie Hall and major festivals worldwide, helping to bring Cajun music to international audiences.
- He recorded an album of French children's songs with his wife, Sharon Doucet.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dennis McGee - Legendary Cajun fiddler and close friend; Doucet studied traditional Cajun styles directly from him. (Apprenticeship, field recordings, live performances) [1975–1989]
- Dewey Balfa - Master fiddler and educator; Doucet worked with Balfa to teach Cajun music in schools. (Educational outreach, workshops) [Late 1970s]
- Canray Fontenot - Creole fiddler; Doucet learned Creole and Cajun fiddle styles from him. (Fieldwork, performances) [1970s]
- Varise Connor - Traditional Cajun fiddler; Doucet studied his playing as part of his apprenticeship. (Fieldwork) [1970s]
- Elaine Flannery - Eastman College instructor; helped Doucet understand the theoretical basis of Cajun music. (Private instruction) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Zachary Richard - Cousin and early bandmate; formed Doucet's first band together. (Early folk-rock band) [1960s–1970s]
- Kenneth Richard - Co-founder of BeauSoleil; played bass and guitar. (BeauSoleil) [1977–present]
- Sterling Richard - Co-founder of BeauSoleil; played drums. (BeauSoleil) [1977–present]
- Marc Savoy - Accordionist and luthier; member of Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band. (Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band) [1980s–present]
- Ann Savoy - Vocalist and guitarist; member of Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band. (Savoy-Doucet Cajun Band) [1980s–present]
- Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Rushad Eggleston - Fellow string players in the group Fiddlers 4. (Fiddlers 4) [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Steve Riley - Acclaimed Cajun accordionist and bandleader; cites Doucet as a major influence. (Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys) [1990s–present]
- Kristi Guillory - Cajun musician and educator; inspired by Doucet's teaching and recordings. (Bonsoir, Catin) [2000s–present]
- Numerous students at University of Southwestern Louisiana - Doucet taught the first course on Cajun music, directly influencing new generations. (Academic courses, workshops) [1977–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Chili Mama | 1993-01-01 | Album |
| Parlez-Nous a Boire & More | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Christmas Bayou | 1986-01-01 | Album |
| Deja Vu | 1990-07-13 | Album |
| Cajun Fandango | 2016-03-15 | Album |
| The Mad Reel | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Lâcher Prise | 2020-02-14 | Album |
| Le Hoogie Boogie: Louisiana French Music For Children | 1992-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Canray's Contredanse (Hot Chili Mama)
- Hot Chili Mama (Hot Chili Mama)
- Parlez-Nous A Boire (Speak to Us of Drinking) (Parlez-Nous a Boire & More)
- Jolie Blonde (Transatlantic Sessions - Series 2, Vol. Three)
- Eunice Two-step (Transatlantic Sessions - Series 2, Vol. One)
- La Danse De La Vie (The Dance of Life)
- Zydeco Gris Gris (Deja Vu)
- Zydeco Et La Encore (A New Orleans Visit: Before Katrina)
- Mardi Gras Jig (Sam's Big Rooster)
- Je Veux Me Marier (Hot Chili Mama)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Michael Doucet has been played 11 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.