Consider gifting music this year as the Year of Louisiana Music wraps up

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, are you still searching for that perfect present for a special someone? Give the gift of Louisiana music.

The time is right as the Year of Louisiana Music, as proclaimed by the Louisiana Office of Tourism, is about to wrap up. But the music never ends in a state that gave the world Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Aaron Neville, Clifton Chenier, Buddy Guy, BeauSoleil, Lil Wayne, Master P, Tim McGraw, Britney Spears, Lainey Wilson and on and on and on.

When someone gifts music genres born in the state — like zydeco, Cajun, swamp pop and jazz — they’re putting money in the pockets of a neighbor, friend and maybe even a family member. While the music can be streamed, the artists only receive fractions of a penny per stream.

Some bands still produce CDs, which are perfect stocking stuffers that make Christmas much more merry. Lagniappe Records in Lafayette, Floyd’s Record Shop in Ville Platte and Louisiana Music Factory in New Orleans are just a few stores that stock CDs, even vinyl. Google “record stores near me,” and you’ll be surprised at the results.

If CDs don’t work, go to live shows. Pay the cover charge.

If there’s a tip jar, put in a few bucks. Buy T-shirts or other band merchandise. Make 2025 a Happy New Year for artists who created the soundtrack of our lives.

Here are a few zydeco and Cajun releases to consider. Some are live recordings that can stir a Christmas party better than Everclear in the punch bowl.

Rusty Metoyer, “Comin’ in Hot, Live in Lake Charles,” Vols. 1 & 2: The music career for this 32-year-old accordion player with four businesses continues to soar. He still finds time to release new albums or singles four times a year.

His live albums serve as a greatest-hits collection of originals. Plus, he still tips his hat to Boozoo Chavis, Zydeco Force, Keith Frank and other pioneers.

4Horses, “Live at La Poussiere,” Vols. 1 & 2: Opened in 1955, La Poussiere (French for the dust) in Breaux Bridge stands as the last of the pioneering Cajun dancehalls. Its bouncing dance floor makes even the most uncoordinated look like they’re ready for “Dancing with the Stars.”

The 4Horses are alumni of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys and other Cajun favorites. Led by popular vocalist Jamey Bearb, the band makes the dust fly even more.

Belton Richard, “The Essential Collection,” Vols. 1 & 2: When master accordionist Belton Richard passed away in 2017, Cajun music’s most cherished voice died, too. Richard’s widely imitated baritone caresses country-flavored, romantic French songs like “Give Me Another Chance,” “Let Me Talk to Your Heart” and “Un Autre Soir D’ennui,” a Cajun version of Jimmy Clanton’s pop hit, “Another Sleepless Night.”

The 72 songs on these discs will keep the Cajun Frank Sinatra crooning in your heart for a long time.

Herman Fuselier is a writer, broadcaster and tourism director living in Opelousas. His “Zydeco Stomp” radio show airs Saturdays at noon on KRVS 8.7 FM and online at KRVS Public Media.