J'ai été au bal (I went to the dance): The Cajun and Zydeco music of Louisiana

Duration: 84

Year Published: 1989

Creator: Brazos Films

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Description: Interweaving interviews, live performances, archival stills, historical footage and anecdotes, this comprehensive documentary offers a lyrical exploration of Cajun and Zydeco music from their roots to the present day. Expelled from Nova Scotia by the British in 1755, the French settlers called Acadians embarked on the long trek south to the French colony of Louisiana where they came to be known as Cajuns. Intrinsic to the Acadians' cultural identity was their music, toe-tapping, jiglike fiddle tunes, that harkened to the Celtic music of Britanny and which sung of the tragedy of lost love. Over the centuries, the Cajuns mingled with free men of color, Native Americans and other European settlers to create the unique Cajun and Black Creole traditions that exist today. Reflecting this cultural exchange, Cajun music, in more recent times, has absorbed outside elements like western swing from Texas, country western music and later, rock 'n roll. Following World War II, returning G.I.s sparked a renewal of traditional Cajun culture, rescuing it from stigmatization and providing the momentum that continues unabated. The Cajun music scene was significantly enriched by the Afro-Caribbean contributions which produced the slightly more peppery, bluesy zydeco sound that has gained popularity through the talents of the late Clifton Chenier and Queen Ida who perform in the film.