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Jo-El
Sonnier
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Singer,
Songwriter ..... |
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| The
music of Jo-El Sonnier is a way of life. Steeped in passion,
relentless dedication...he has been the undisputed "King
Of Cajun" for the past 20 years and occupies a significant
place in the rich artistic landscape of this country. His
fans are un-deniably dedicated, while the music industry elite
- Dylan, Costello and Cash, to name a few, admire his work
to no end. He is a "musician's musician" with a
wonderful gift to sing and entertain you in a way often imitated
but never duplicated. |
| Jo-El
was born in Rayne, Louisiana to poor, French speaking sharecroppers.
He began to play the accordian at threeyearsof age, first
as a toy to occupy Jo-El while his parents visited with neighbors,
As he grew, so did his love forthe instrument and his ability
to play it. Singing only in French, his Cajun heritage
was very strong and clear. News of this gifted child spread,
which led to a radio debut at the age of 6 abd his first recording
session at the age of 11. As a favorite in local clubs, Sonnier
remained a Louisiana sensationduring his early life, but decided
to try his luck in California. After several years of establishing
contacts in both music and movie industries, Jo-El longed
for home and returned to Louisiana, Soon after, he set his
sights on a recording deal and headed out again, this time
east, to Nashville. There he continued to write and soon landed
a recording contract with Mercury Records. After several years
of recording and releasing singles which charted but never
gained the success that he longed for, once again Sonnier
decided to head home. |
| Finally
he received a break from Merle Haggard, who sought
Sonnier to open a show for him. This positiveturn of events
spawned his return to LA, where he began performing solo shows
with help from such friends as Albert Lee and Garth Hudson.
By the middle 80's Jo-El had a Grammy nominated recording
to his credit with "Cajun LIfe". |
| As
a songwriter Jo-El has had his songs recorded by artist such
as Johnny Cash, George Strait, Mel McDaniels, John Anderson
and Jerry Lee Lewis. One thing is clear, no matter where
he is found performing, his passion and commitment to his
music comes across in any language. |
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| Texas
Sounds........... |
Contact
Mike Sandberg For More
Info Or Booking |
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