NEW ORLEANS FESTIVALS - Jazz Fest Features

CAJUN & ZYDECO - Willis Prudhomme

Willis Prudhomme may be the Grandma Moses of zydeco. A lifelong rice farmer in western Cajun Country, he didn't start playing accordion until he was 45.

"People don't believe I'm an old man," he laughs.

Given his boisterous spirit and salty lyrics, it's not hard to see why people want him on the bandstand. Songs like What You Gonna Do When the Meat's All Gone and Big Legged Woman tell of a life as a rice farmer and dance hall musician. Since his 1988 recording of Salty Dog, Prudhomme has turned heads with his older-style Creole music and sly lyrics.

Coming from western Cajun country, Prudhomme was influenced by Cajun musicians. The accordion he plays is a one-note Cajun style instrument with one row of keys. It isn't as suited for the bluesy styles most zydeco players choose. It allows him to play more waltzes.

"Zydeco is kind of skip hop. It's real hot with a lot of bounce," he says. "The older music is straight ahead. Easier to dance to."

He's gone from being a dance hall bandleader to international ambassador of zydeco. Since recording as if he was playing a dance hall, he's put out a steady steam of acclaimed CDs.