Leo Soileau

Leo Soileau was one of the most prolific Cajun recording artists of the 1930s and 1940s. He recorded over 100 songs, which was a substantial amount considering the reluctance to record the music during its early stages. His first recording was made in 1928, when he joined fellow musician Mayeus Lafleur in recording what is widely considered only the second documented recording of the genre, "He Mon". After Mayeus Lafleur was killed in a quarrel over moonshine just two weeks after the recording, Leo began recording with fellow accordionist Moise Robin. His most well-known song was the hit "Jolie Blonde", a song he performed with Amadie Breaux under the French name "Ma Blonde Est Partie". Leo recorded Cajun music until the start of World War II, when his label, Decca, decided to stop recording Cajun artists. He continued to perform with his group The Rhythm Boys until the end of the decade, when he left the music business altogether. He died in August 1980 in the same place he was born, Ville Platte, LA.