Canray Fontenot (1922-1995)

Canray Fontenot is considered the greatest Creole fiddler, known for his blues tonalities and sizable repertoire of French music and fiddle tunes, including many rags. Also a master songwriter, he wrote dozens of originals such as his walyz " Bon Soir Moreau." Fontenot was born in L'Anse Aux Vaches, a tiny farming community between Eunice and Mamou. At nine years old, Canray made his first fiddle out of a cigar box, which he played until the age of eleven when his uncle bought him a fiddle. He eventually began playing music with Alphonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin, with whom he collaborated for over 40 years. recording and performing all over the country.

• louisiana
• music
• zydeco
• opelousas