Cajun Musician Eddie LeJeune dies

Subject: Cajun Musician Eddie LeJeune dies
From: Dale Rose
Date: 11 Jan 01 - 09:31 PM

Well known Cajun accordionist Eddie LeJeune of Morse, Louisiana, died Tuesday of a massive heart attack. He was 49 years old. His funeral was today at Immaculate Conception Church in Morse. He was the son of Cajun Legend Iry LeJeune, but was a talented performer in his own right. He preferred to play in the classic trio style, just accordion, fiddle, and guitar.

He and his band, The Morse Playboys, had been scheduled, along with Hadley Castille and The Sharecropper Band, for the live radio show from the Liberty Theater in Eunice Louisiana, this Saturday night. Until the weather and other considerations intervened, I had tentatively planned to attend the show.

I have posted a real audio of J'Etais Au Bal (I Went To The Dance) from Le Trio Cadien, Rounder 6049, 1992, featuring Eddie ~~ accordion and vocal, D.L. Menard ~~ guitar and vocal, and Ken Smith ~~ fiddle. D.L. sings the first verse, and Eddie the rest of the song. J'Etais Au Bal was made famous by Iry LeJeune. Eddie has three other albums on Rounder ~~ from 1988, 1991, and 1998.

Information about Eddie and a Memorial Fund are at the Louisiana State University Eunice site.

Here is an interview with Dan Willging in Rootsworld Magazine from a couple of years ago.

Subject: RE: Cajun Musician Eddie LeJeune dies
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Jan 01 - 10:01 PM

That is very sad news, Dale. Thank you for posting the sound sample and the other links. When my dad worked in the oilfields down there he played with a couple of cajun bands and really enjoyed it and the people. I know he will be sorry to hear about Eddie.

kat

Subject: RE: Cajun Musician Eddie LeJeune dies
From: GUEST,Brian Hoskin
Date: 12 Jan 01 - 07:42 AM

A sad loss. I had the pleasure of seeing Eddie playing with D.L. Menard on a UK tour 7or 8 years ago. Another great talent leaves the world far too soon!

Brian