When the Acadian (Cajun) people of Nova Scotia came to Louisiana in the mid-18th century, they brought with them music that had its origins in France, but had been influenced by British settlers and Native Americans. The music was defined by early ballads that were sung without instrumental support. These ballads told of the experience of day-to-day life. The first instrument to make an appearance is the fiddle, which provided music for dances. As the century wore on, new influences made their way into the Cajun style of music, such as African rhythms, blues, and improvisational singing.
Dennis McGee lived from 1893 to 1989, a period of time that encompasses major developments in Cajun music. He was one of the most prominent and best-known fiddle players of the Cajun music scene. He began playing when Cajun music was still in its early, traditional style and recorded tracks with Sandy Courville (another prominent fiddle player) in the old double-fiddle style. Other renowned Cajun musicians include Amede Ardoin, who was an accordion player, and vocalist and Amedee Breaux, also an accordion player.
In the 1920s the recording industry, along with radio, developed and the first musical recordings of Cajun music were made. In 1928, Joe and Cleoma Falcon made the very first recording called, "Allons a Lafayette." In 1929, Dennis McGee recorded with Amede Ardoin, and their pieces included the songs "Two Step de Eunice," "Madame Atchen," and "La Valse a Abe."
In the 1950s, when rock 'n' roll emerged on the scene, Louisiana musicians with Cajun roots produced their own style called swamp pop. Other Cajun artists moved to Nashville and used their influences in the beginnings of country music, singing in English rather than French. Cajun music has since been closely tied to modern day country music.
Contemporary Cajun music is played at festivals throughout the South, particularly in Louisiana. New artists are emerging and use Cajun influences to write new music. The band BeauSoleil makes sure to meticulously base their music on Cajun tradition, while adding elements of rock to their original work. But purely traditional bands still exists like the Sundown Playboys, who have been playing their music for decades using traditional rhythms and instrumentation.