Cajun & Creole Music Collection
About the Collection
The Cajun & Creole Music Collection consists of over 11,000 commercial recordings, selected non-commercial and unpublished recordings, plus other music-related archival materials. The collection includes the music of Cajuns and Creoles of Louisiana's "Acadiana" and "Creole Country" regions. The collection presents the history, influences, and development of the region's musical cultures and styles. The recordings, published since 1928, cover the changes and evolution in the musical cultures from artist to artist, performance to performance, and dominant instrument to dominant instrument. They also reveal the influences of the musical cultures on each other and influences from regional cultures and society at large.
Formats include both analog and digital media: 78rpm, 45rpm, and LP (33 ⅓ rpm) records, 8-track tapes, audiocassette tapes, CDs, VHS tapes, and DVDs. The collection also contains books, periodicals, photographs, artifacts, manuscripts and other archival materials and collections. The many different genres and styles of the Creole and Cajun musical cultures of Southwest and parts of Southeast Louisiana can be found in the collection.
Using the Collection
The Cajun & Creole Music Collection is open to the public for listening, viewing, and research. Audio-visual stations and playback equipment are available. Dupré Library encourages the use of the collection and offers research consultations, instructional sessions, and tours. Contact us to schedule a consultation or session, or request a tour. Although most materials in the collection do not circulate, some items such as books and DVDs are available for check-out.
- Visitor Information
- Visitor Parking or contact us
- Digitization Request Form for Special Collections
- Library Policies & Procedures
What Do We Collect?
Analog and Digital Audio Recordings
Commercial
- Commercial and studio produced recordings by Louisiana Cajun and Creole musicians recorded and published since 1928
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Musical styles and genres of the Cajuns and Creoles of Louisiana's "Acadiana" and "Creole Country" parishes:
- Acadian and Creole French folk songs and music
- Cajun music and its varied styles, including those with blues, country-western, swing, rock, and popular music influences
- Creole music and its varied styles, including juré, “la musique Créole”, zydeco and zydeco-nouveau with funk, rock, reggae or rap influences
- Swamp-blues and other Louisiana blues music
- Swamp pop music (Cajun and Creole rhythm & blues and rock & roll)
- Recordings of Louisiana Cajun and Creole record companies and labels
- Selective recordings of musical styles, genres, and cultures that have influenced Louisiana Cajun and Creole music and musicians
- Music about Cajun and Creole Louisiana
- Radio transcription recordings that feature Louisiana Cajun and Creole music and musicians
- Selective “Cajun and Creole-inspired” music, performed in these styles and produced worldwide
- Selective recordings of “guest sessions” by Louisiana Cajun and Creole musicians
- Selective non-music sound recordings, such as spoken word
Non-commercial or Unpublished
- Very selective unpublished recordings related to Louisiana Cajun and Creole musical cultures
Analog and Digital Video Recordings
Commercial Productions
- Motion pictures that include Louisiana Cajun and Creole musicians, music and songs
- Documentaries about Cajun and Creole musicians and the musical cultures
- Instructional and educational videos on Cajun and Creole music, instruments, vocals, and dance
- Selective unpublished productions related to Cajun and Creole music
Other Archival & Research Materials
- Artifacts
- Books and periodicals
- Manuscripts
- Memorabilia
- Music business/industry records
- Musical instruments
- Photographs
- Posters
- Promotional and media material
- Textile and costume items
Donations & Gifts
Some of the rarest recordings in the Cajun & Creole Music Collection were acquired through donations and gifts from individuals. The collection collects commercial and studio produced recordings in all formats: 78 rpm records, vinyl (33 ⅓ rpm and 45 rpm) records, audio and video tapes, CDs, DVDs, etc. Donations of music-related career and personal papers of artists, business records, music label/company materials, photographs, instruments, artifiacts, and other music memorabilia are especially welcome. The Cajun & Creole Music Collection also accepts monetary donations to be used to purchase items for the collection.
Join us in our efforts to continue collecting, preserving, and providing access to the unique special collections representing our local musical cultures, their history, and their future. For more information about donating to the collection, contact us.
Nathan Abshire's Belt & Jewelry
Hours
Monday – Thursday | 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday | 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday | CLOSED
Note: Closed during major holidays. View Closures.
Contact
Call: (337) 482-1174
Visit: Room 386
Email: ccmc@louisiana.edu
Sandy Himel | Associate Professor and Cajun & Creole Music Collection
(337) 482-1174 | sandra.himel@louisiana.edu
Mailing Address
Edith Garland Dupré Library
Cajun & Creole Music Collection - Special Collections
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
400 E. St. Mary Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70503