Paul Daigle - Robert Elkins & Cajun Gold

Biography

Paul Daigle and Robert Elkins, co-leaders of the band Cajun Gold, are prominent figures in the Cajun and zydeco music scenes of Louisiana. Paul Daigle was born in 1958 in Point Noir near Church Point, Louisiana, and began playing accordion at age ten. As a teenager, he won several accordion contests in Church Point, quickly establishing himself as one of Acadiana’s most talented accordionists. Robert Elkins, born in Church Point, began his musical journey at age twelve, forming his first group, 'Little Robert and the Satisfiers,' in 1956. After serving in the Navy and living in California for twelve years, Elkins returned to Louisiana and immersed himself in Cajun music, eventually teaming up with Daigle.

Together, Daigle and Elkins formed Cajun Gold in the early 1980s, with the group becoming one of the premier Cajun bands from the mid-1980s until 1992. Their music, rooted in traditional Cajun styles, featured regional hits such as 'Tee Bec Doux' and 'The New Anniversary Waltz.' Cajun Gold was especially popular in the Lafayette area, winning numerous contests and popularity polls. The band recorded for Swallow Records and included notable members such as Ken Smith (fiddle), Tony Thibodeaux (violin), Michael Doucet (violin), Kelly Hebert (bass), Vernon Bergeron (drums), and David Cormier (drums). Pierre V. Daigle, Paul’s relative, contributed many original songs and served as record producer for the group.

Cajun Gold’s legacy is marked by their dedication to preserving and revitalizing Cajun music during a time when the tradition risked fading. Their influence extended beyond Louisiana, with performances around the world, including in Denmark and China. Paul Daigle continues to perform selectively, maintaining his reputation as a master accordionist, while Robert Elkins is remembered for his powerful vocals and guitar work. The group has received multiple Cajun French Music Association awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing their place in Cajun music history.

Fun Facts

• Cajun Gold performed internationally, including concerts in Denmark and China.
• Paul Daigle is fluent in both English and Cajun French, reflecting the cultural heritage of Acadiana.
• Robert Elkins won the Cajun French Music Association's Male Vocalist of the Year award multiple times.
• Paul Daigle’s day job is as an auto body repairman, a common dual-career path among Cajun musicians.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Pierre V. Daigle - Songwriter and record producer for Cajun Gold; family member who shaped the band's repertoire (Wrote songs like 'La Lumière dans ton Châssis', produced Cajun Gold albums) [1980s-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Ken Smith - Fiddle player with Cajun Gold (Live performances, studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]
• Tony Thibodeaux - Violinist with Cajun Gold (Studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]
• Michael Doucet - Violinist with Cajun Gold (Studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]
• Kelly Hebert - Bass guitarist with Cajun Gold (Studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]
• Vernon Bergeron - Drummer with Cajun Gold (Studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]
• David Cormier - Drummer with Cajun Gold (Studio recordings) [1980s-1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Donny Broussard - Inspired by Cajun Gold's revival of Cajun music; fellow award-winning accordionist (Performances in Cajun dance halls) [1990s-present]
• Reggie Matte - Part of the next generation of Cajun musicians influenced by Daigle's accordion style (Formed The Church Point Playboys) [1990s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. La valse de la vie (The Waltz of Life) (The Essential Collection)
2. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Merry Cajun Christmas)
3. La valse criminelle (Waltz So Sad It's a Crime) (The Essential Collection)
4. Maurice fait pas ca (Maurice Don't Do That) (The Essential Collection)
5. Two Step a Paul Daig (Cajun Saturday Night)
6. Cajun Breakdown - Instrumental (Savoir Faire avec Paul Daigle)
7. Ta petite robe courte (Your Short Little Dress) (The Essential Collection)
8. Georgie Lou (The Essential Collection)
9. Loup-garou Two-Step (Werewolf Two-Step) (The Essential Collection)
10. Johnny Can't Dance (Cajun Accordion Kings (And the Queen))

External Links

• Spotify