A Toe-Tapping Tradition

As the only U.S. state home to genres like jazz, Cajun, and zydeco,  Louisiana also  contributed to American blues, country and rock.  

New Orleans has a special relationship with jazz and has been home to legends like Louis Armstrong. Today, a new generation of jazz musicians are honoring the tradition and adding their own unique sounds along the way, like  Trombone Shorty, Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins, Dirty Dozen and Grammy-winning Rebirth Brass Band.  

Outside of jazz, Cajun and zydeco music are perhaps more associated with Louisiana than any other musical genre.  

Cajun music continues the musical and dancing traditions originally brought to Louisiana by The Acadians when they were exiled from Nova Scotia in the 1700s. The folk music incorporates the accordion, triangle and fiddle and can be heard in dance halls throughout southwestern Louisiana.  

Zydeco, originally a blend of Louisiana French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats, almost always includes a washboard and an accordion and, like the blues, offered a way for the rural poor to escape hardships of life through music and dance. The music is a staple at local festivals like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Today, the genre has evolved further with influences from soul, rap and reggae. 

While jazz, Cajun and zydeco rule south Louisiana, country music is the heart of north Louisiana. The history of country music in Louisiana dates to post-World War II life, whenShreveport’s KWKH broadcasted the  Louisiana Hayride. The show became known as “The Cradle of the Stars” for its role in launching the careers of artists such as Hank Williams, Slim Whitman, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. The show was held in the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, where visitors can tour the stage graced by legends and see where the iconic phrase “Elvis has left the building” was first coined.  

Find down-home, deep South blues throughout the state, too. The origins of Louisiana blues can be heard by its greats, such as Buddy Guy. A new generation of performers is being nurtured by the state’s unique culture and music history including Tab Benoit, Larry Garner, Irma Thomas and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. 

Explore these music genres, sample the music, read about notable performers and plan your tour of Louisiana’s music.