Lawrence Walker

Lawrence Walker
Also known as King of the Accordion Players
Born September 1, 1907(1907-09-01)
Origin Duson, Louisiana
Died August 15, 1968(1968-08-15) (aged 60)
Genres Cajun
Occupations Musician, Accordionist
Instruments Cajun accordion
Associated acts Wandering Aces[1]
Walker Brothers[2]

Lawrence Walker (September 1, 1907 – August 15, 1968)[3] was a Cajun accordionist born near Duson, Louisiana.[4] He is known for his original songs, including Reno Waltz, Evangeline Special, Bosco Stomp, and Mamou Two Step.[5]

Contents

Biography

Lawrence Walker was the son of Allen Walker a fiddle player.[6] At 13 Walker began playing in a band with his father and brother Elton, who was also a fiddler.[1] They recorded their first record in 1929 with Bluebird Records.[1] In 1936, Walker performed at the National Folk Festival.[2] Although known for his accordion playing, he made most of his money through rice farming.[3] He focused on music after World War II when he toured with his band The Wandering Aces.[3] Walker died in Rayne, Louisiana of heart failure.[2][3]

Accordion Playing

Wallker was known for his ability as well as his showmanship on the accordion. Walker was able to please crowds as well as win many accordion contests.[1]

Legacy

Walker wrote only original songs, many of which are still in Cajun repertoire.[3] Walker was inducted into the Cajun French Music Association Hall of Fame in 1997 - its inaugural year.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Nadeeka Johnson. "Lawrence Walker, King of the Accordion Players". http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/lawrence-walker-king-of-the-accordion-players-844103.html. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  2. ^ a b c "Dictionary W, Louisiana Historical Association". http://www.lahistory.org/site40.php. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  3. ^ a b c d e Sandra Brennan. "Lawrence Walker: Information from Answers.com". http://www.answers.com/topic/lawrence-walker. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  4. ^ "SWLA Musicians Encyclopedia Index, S through Z". http://library.mcneese.edu/depts/archive/SWLAMusicians/encyclosz.htm. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  5. ^ Neal Pomea (Pommier). "Cajun music mp3: Hadacol it Something!". http://www.npmusic.org/artists.html#lawrence. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  6. ^ "Lawrence Walker - Bio, CDs and Vinyl at Discogs". http://www.discogs.com/artist/Lawrence+Walker. Retrieved 2010-10-09. 
  7. ^ "CFMA - The Cajun French Music Association - Dedicated To Promote & Preserve Cajun Music and Culture". http://www.cajunfrenchmusic.org/halloffame.html. Retrieved 2010-09-09.