Strings of Tradition

South Louisiana’s Cajun culture is expressed in a myriad of different ways, including delicious food, vibrant festivals, and the beloved and unique style of Cajun music. Waylon Thibodeaux, a renowned Cajun fiddler, stands as a vibrant testament to the rich musical heritage of Louisiana– captivating audiences with his spirited performances and masterful technique for over 40 years. 

Known as one of Louisiana’s best recording artists, Waylon is renowned for his infectious stage presence and unique musical style. Originally hailing from Houma, but with family roots as deep south as Chauvin, the self-taught musician has had a strong love for music from an early age. “I started messing around with music by playing country music on the drums as a kid. I joined my first band when I was 13 years old,” explained Waylon. “My mom and dad always loved music and going dancing, and I was always fascinated by it– I wanted to be able to play, too.”

While the drums were a great introduction to music for a young Waylon, he soon found his true calling on the fiddle just a short while afterwards. “Playing the drums was fun, but I became really inspired to pursue the fiddle after watching Johnny Gimble and Pete Fountain on Austin City Limits,” continued Waylon. “I asked my parents to buy me a fiddle and they were willing to, so I started practicing– and it stuck.” Waylon’s talent was soon impossible to ignore, as he was named Louisiana’s State Fiddle Champion at just 16 years old. 

Waylon continued to dedicate himself to the fiddle, and after turning 18, left Houma to play music on Bourbon Street– quickly cementing himself as part of the vibrant music scene found in New Orleans in the 1980’s. Waylon continued to play on Bourbon street for another 35 years, launching his career and establishing himself as a bonafide success in the music industry.   

Waylon released several CD’s during the height of his career, including a toe-tapping variety of powerful Cajun, Country, Zydeco, and New Orleans-style music sung in both English and French. Waylon’s independent acoustic album with Gina Forsythe, entitled “Dans La Louisiana,” won the 1996 Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Award for Best Cajun album. Waylon has also performed in numerous radio and television commercials and four of his original compositions were featured in the 1993 NBC movie, House of Secrets. Waylon’s first cut “Sweet Colinda” off of his latest CD debuted at #92 in the top 100 on the European Country Music Charts, continuing to climb and recently landing at #9. 

Alongside commercial success, all of Waylon’s work is renowned for giving listeners a real taste of “Good, high-energy Louisiana music.” As described by Waylon himself, “[My music] is a true mixture –it’s Cajun, but not too traditional, it’s Zydeco with a pinch of New Orleans’ sound, a small pinch of South Louisiana ‘Swamp Pop,’ a taste of Country and a little Rock n’ Roll that’s sure to get you on your feet and dancing.”

Waylon is committed to sharing Cajun culture with communities across the globe, not just through his recordings, but live and in person. Waylon has showcased his talent on the fiddle all across the United States, as well as abroad in Canada, France, and Central and South America. For Waylon, the fiddle is all about promoting the unique culture of the bayou to as many people as possible. “I love bringing our Louisiana heritage across the globe,” explained Waylon. “I took my first trip to France to play music when I was 14 years old and it was an incredible experience, and even spent 6 weeks in South America recently to perform with my friend Wayne Toups. Some of the trips have become tradition– for example, I’ve been playing for a cattle auction in Nevada for 32 years now, and it’s just been so much to meet new people or see old friends everywhere I go.” Waylon just recently returned from a trip to Nova Scotia with Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism representatives, where he demonstrated Louisiana’s unique musical influence to other Canadian fiddlers. 

Waylon does not always perform alone, however– the musician is also a member of the local Voice Of The Wetlands All-Stars, a performance group that travels  throughout the country to raise awareness of erosion of the Gulf Coast Wetlands. This group comprised of Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Tab Benoit, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, George Porter, Jr., Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne, Johnny Vidacovich and Waylon Thibodeaux, and serves as a national way for local musicians to use their skills for the good of the area. 

After several moves across the country and continuous international trips, Waylon has now officially settled back in his hometown and can be seen and heard playing around Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes– there is seldom a local festival that goes by that does not include Waylon’s fiddle. Waylon is also an active member of the Cajun Music Preservation Society, whose goal is to make traditional Cajun music as available to the public as often. Some events include monthly Cajun Music Jams at C’est Bon Café, hosted by Waylon, which invites community members of any musical skill level to come learn Cajun instruments/music. Waylon also recently taught a children’s fiddle class at the Bayou Country Children’s Museum, educating the next generation on Cajun music. “I was fortunate enough to know some fiddle players back in the day who inspired me to start playing, and I’m hoping I could be that person for young musicians in the area,” said Waylon. “We are always looking to get more people involved in Cajun music.”

Despite the difficulties of the competitive music industry, Waylon’s passion for music is evident in his lifelong work of keeping Cajun music alive for many generations to enjoy. “Working in the music industry is truly feast or famine, and sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with,” said Waylon. “But it is so worth it– it is the only thing I ever wanted to do, and I thank God I have been able to do it for 45 years. It’s so encouraging to see young children playing these instruments, and it makes me hope that more musicians will pop up in southern Louisiana to keep our musical culture alive. I have always wanted to play music more than I wanted to breathe air, and my advice to the younger generation is to follow that passion.”

In the tapestry of Cajun music, Waylon continues to stand out as a masterful thread, committed to preserving the rich heritage of Louisiana’s culture. As he continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners alike, Waylon Thibodeaux and his fiddle are sure to remain vital ambassadors of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish’s unique Cajun culture– ensuring that its vibrant spirit will endure for years to come.