Early Cajun music was developed by the Acadian people of Nova Scotia. The Acadians, who moved from Western France to settle Canada's Maritime provinces, were expelled in 1755 by British authorities. Many of them moved down through New England and into Louisiana, bringing their music with them. The Acadians had developed a music style that consisted of French lyrics set to energetic fiddle playing. Once in Louisiana, the Acadian people perfected this music style into Cajun music. The lyrics of early Cajun music described the harshness of life in the territory, or told humorous and sometimes bawdy stories. As different music styles began to influence Cajun music, various instruments were added.
As the popularity of Cajun music grew and spread to other areas of the country, subgenres of Cajun music developed. Traditional Cajun musicians, such as legendary Cajun fiddler Dewey Balfa, and his band the Balfa Brothers, helped to popularize traditional Cajun music. As Cajun music became more mainstream, other music styles began to blend with it to form other varieties of Cajun-inspired music. Modern country music has had a large impact on Cajun music, and a subgroup known as Texas Swing Cajun was born out of the blending of country and Cajun styles. Another popular style, called Dancehall Cajun, moved away from the trend of using only a few instruments as backup, and added steel, electric and bass guitars.
Cajun music has experienced many revivals in popularity since its conception. Rock, blues, hip hop and many other modern styles have helped develop contemporary Cajun music. While most contemporary Cajun music groups now use mainstream instruments, such as drums and guitars, some still use traditional instruments like washboards and accordions. However Cajun music has changed over the centuries, it has always maintained its core components. The fiddle has retained its importance, and many modern Cajun groups still sing lyrics in French. The feel and sound of Cajun music has also been preserved. Cajun music has always had a capering attitude and a folk sound. Accordion accompaniment creates a strong rhythmic background. The fiddles, which are sometimes played very fervently, give Cajun music its high energy. This preservation of the core components of Cajun music are seen in groups such as BeauSoleil, which is a Louisiana-based group that has played in music tours across the United States. The group combines newer forms of music with the traditional Cajun elements, and they give homage to their original Acadian roots. The band's name, "BeauSoleil," is a reference to Joseph Broussard dit Beausoleil, the leader of the Acadian resistance against the British-imposed expulsion from Nova Scotia.
Traditional Cajun music used only three instruments: the fiddle, the accordion and the triangle. These three instruments gave Cajun music a strong rhythmic presence, and are the basis for other Cajun music styles. In later years and styles, other instruments have become important to Cajun music, such as the steel guitar. Drums are also used in some modern styles, as well as several other types of guitars. Though Cajun music has added many new instruments to its changing style, almost all Cajun music still has the presence of the original three instruments, the fiddle, accordion and triangle.
Cajun dance has developed with Cajun music. Cajun versions of mainstream dances, such as the waltz, the jig and the jitterbug were invented to accompany Cajun music. Cajun dances are typically fast paced and energetic, and dancers will often use the whole floor space. Cajun dances are performed at music festivals and competitions, as well as at private homes and gatherings in Louisiana.