The Amédé Ardoin Lemon Tree
Planted In Loving Memory Of Influential Louisiana Creole Singer, Songwriter and Accordionist Amédé Ardoin March 11, 1898-November 3, 1942 Born near Basile in Evangeline Parish Amédé Ardoin created the framework for Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music's evolution in the early 1900's. With his signature high voice, accordion and talent, Ardoin composed dance tunes and mournful ballads many considered Zydeco standards, establishing roots of this unique musical and cultural identity now recognized worldwide. He is one of the first Creole artists to record his music with national recording companies. To soothe his vocal chords, Ardoin always carried a lemon. His musical genius continues to influence and inspire generations of musicians across genres. In honor of Amédé Ardoin's legacy a steele statue of him standing on an accordion, holding a lemon, was erected at the St. Landry Parish Welcome Center on March 11, 2018. Dedicated by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser on March 12, 2020