The performance is what makes the 'genre', or more accurately, the style. You can rock up Leonard Cohen, or Pete Seeger, Johnny Cash, Jean Ritchie, or even 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' with the right instruments. Add rhythm-driven accordion, double-stopped fiddle and maybe a triangle, and it's Cajun.

He's being recognized for being a great songwriter. The songs alone have made him a huge influence on modern music.