Cajun Aces

One of the first bands to perform at the Festival Acadiens in 1974, the Cajun Aces helped preserve the traditional Cajun 2-steps and waltzes of southwest Louisiana. Led by diatonic accordion player and songwriter Ledel "Blackie" Forestier (1928-2001), the group recorded 17 singles, two albums, and a CD, Back in Time, in the nearly four decades they were together. Their regular appearances at Randol's Restaurant every Saturday and D.I.'s Restaurant in Tee-Mamou every other Friday are still recalled with fond memories. A native of Cankton (then known as Coulee Crouche), near Lafayette, Forestier formed the Cajun Aces in the late '50s. He continued to lead the band until 1979, when he tired of alternating his musical career with a day job and disbanded the group. Within a few years, however, he longed to return to the bandstand and re-formed the band. They continued to work together until Forestier's death of a heart attack on November 19, 2001. ~ Craig Harris