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Cajun music originates from the state of Louisiana in the Southern region of the USA. The roots of the music are the chanson (ballads) of the French-speaking Acadians, who settled in Louisiana after they were expelled from Canada in the late 1700s (they called themselves “Cadians” which became Anglicized as “Cajuns”). The music is also strongly influenced by Texas Swing, Zydeco and blues.
A traditional Cajun band will often feature ‘twin’ fiddles (one fiddle playing the tune, the other playing a second or ‘backup’ part), accordion, guitar, a special big triangle called a tit-fer, and sometimes also a washboard. Modern bands often also include drums and electric or double bass. Bands play for dances, or just for a get-together on the front porch for an evening of great tunes and dancing.
The Dubois Brothers Cajun Band in the 1930s
A Cajun fiddler playing a tune to his horse, Louisiana c. 1910.
A famous Cajun band is the Savoy Family Band. Here’s a clip of them playing together: