South To Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous [Paperback]

John Broven (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1983

A comprehensive look at the history of early Cajun and Cajun-Country music through zydeco, blues, and swamp pop. Includes chart of musical events, biographical data on artists, a guide to music clubs, a list of popular singles and albums, and festivals.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Broven, a contributing writer for the British magazine Blues Unlimited, is also the author of Pelican's South to Louisiana: the Music of the Cajun Bayous. He has been an ardent fan and collector of Louisiana music for twenty years, and is an honorary member of the Louisiana Music Commission in recognition of his research into the history of the state's music.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (June 30, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882896083
• ISBN-13: 978-0882896083
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,515,618 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cajun Soul Brothers, July 4, 2000

By 

Mickey Rouse (Beaumont, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: South To Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous (Paperback)

In many ways, the music of south Louisiana- the cajun bayou country- is an acquired taste. Harmonically constrained, exploring at most the tonal possibilites of four chords, the music is yet another extension of a culture largely isolated until the 1950's. But the richness of the music belies the seemingly rigid constraints many would find impenetrable. It is said that few receive honor in their own country. As has happened in so many instances in mid-century American music, another Britisher is first to examine, almost exhaustively, the music and musicians of Cajun Land, including that part that spills over into Southeast Texas. For aficianados (and participants) of this almost unexamined musical genre, a work of this subject and measure is long overdue. The music was recorded in out-of-the-way places on obscure labels. Let's hope this work does not suffer the same fate.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Louisiana Music Encylopedia, September 29, 2004

By 

John Preble "UCM Museum Director" (ABITA SPRINGS, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: South To Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous (Paperback)

Louisiana has an incredible mix of musicians. Covering the subject is no small task - covering the subject in an easy to read "fun" text is no small task. But here it is. I like Louisiana music and I think it some of the best in the world so I read the book the first time with a very critical eye. If you are planning a trip to Louisiana with the thought of catching musicians doing their thing - this book is a good 101 course to begin with - even before you arrive in the only third world in the USA - Louisiana -- get the book.