Leo Soileau
Encyclopedia
Leo Soileau was one of the most prolific Cajun
recording artists of the 1930s and 1940s. He recorded over 100 songs, which was a substantial amount considering the reluctance to record the music during its early stages. His first recording was made in 1928, when he joined fellow musician Mayeus Lafleur
in recording what is widely considered only the second documented recording of the genre, "He Mon". After Lafleur was killed in a quarrel over moonshine
just two weeks after the recording, Leo began recording with fellow accordionist Moise Robin. His most well-known song was the hit "Jolie Blonde", a song he performed with Amadie Breaux, under the French
name "Ma Blonde Est Partie". Leo recorded Cajun music until the start of World War II
, when his label, Decca
, decided to stop recording Cajun artists. He continued to perform with his group The Rhythm Boys
until the end of the decade, when he left the music business altogether. He died on August 1980, in the same place he was born, Ville Platte, LA.
Cajun
Cajuns are an ethnic group mainly living in the U.S. state of Louisiana, consisting of the descendants of Acadian exiles...
recording artists of the 1930s and 1940s. He recorded over 100 songs, which was a substantial amount considering the reluctance to record the music during its early stages. His first recording was made in 1928, when he joined fellow musician Mayeus Lafleur
Mayeus Lafleur
Mayeus Lafleur was one of the earliest musicians to record Cajun music. Along with fellow musician Leo Soileau, he recorded the fiercely popular "He Mon" , in 1928...
in recording what is widely considered only the second documented recording of the genre, "He Mon". After Lafleur was killed in a quarrel over moonshine
Moonshine
Moonshine is an illegally produced distilled beverage...
just two weeks after the recording, Leo began recording with fellow accordionist Moise Robin. His most well-known song was the hit "Jolie Blonde", a song he performed with Amadie Breaux, under the French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
name "Ma Blonde Est Partie". Leo recorded Cajun music until the start of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, when his label, Decca
Decca Records
Decca Records began as a British record label established in 1929 by Edward Lewis. Its U.S. label was established in late 1934; however, owing to World War II, the link with the British company was broken for several decades....
, decided to stop recording Cajun artists. He continued to perform with his group The Rhythm Boys
The Rhythm Boys
The Rhythm Boys were a male singing trio consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker. Crosby and Rinker began performing together in 1925 and were recruited by Paul Whiteman in late 1926. Pianist/singer/songwriter Barris joined the team in 1927. They made a number of recordings with the...
until the end of the decade, when he left the music business altogether. He died on August 1980, in the same place he was born, Ville Platte, LA.