Grammy Award-winning Cajun and country recording artist Jo-El Sonnier has passed away at the age of 77 while on tour in Texas. The Louisiana legend suffered a major heart attack shortly after performing at the Llano Country Opry in Llano, Texas. Despite receiving a standing ovation for his performance of “Tear-Stained Letter,” Sonnier tragically suffered cardiac arrest and was air flighted to Austin where he was pronounced deceased.
Born to French-speaking sharecroppers in Rayne, Sonnier’s talent emerged early. He began playing the accordion at age 6 and made his first recordings at age 11. His parents prioritized Cajun music over his education, believing it was his true calling. Sonnier’s impact on the Cajun music scene was significant, with his involvement in the Dance Hall era and his early recordings with the Duson Playboys at just 13 years old.
Sonnier found success in both Cajun and country music. He was signed to Mercury Nashville Records in the 1970s but later began recording Cajun music with Rounder Records, earning a Grammy nomination. After opening for Merle Haggard, Sonnier returned to country music and continued his successful career with Capitol Records in the 1990s. His albums “Cajun Pride” and “Cajun Blood” received Grammy nominations, and he was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sonnier was known for hits such as “No More One More Time,” “Come On Joe,” “I’ve Been Around Enough To Know,” and “Raining In My Heart.” Known for his collaboration with other Cajun musicians, Sonnier inspired and mentored many young musicians throughout his career.
In 2013, Sonnier released “The Legacy,” his first traditional Cajun French album in over 13 years, earning him his fifth Grammy nomination and his first Grammy win for the 2015 Regional Roots Music Album of the Year. He was deeply proud of his French heritage and continued to connect with his roots throughout his career.
Jo-El Sonnier’s legacy as a talented and influential musician will live on, and he will be dearly missed by the music community and fans alike. His contributions to both Cajun and country music will forever be remembered.
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