Belton Richard

Not to be confused with Richard Belton.
Belton Richard
Background information
Born(1939-10-05)October 5, 1939[1]
Rayne, Louisiana
DiedJune 21, 2017(2017-06-21) (aged 77)
GenresCajun, swamp pop
InstrumentCajun accordion
LabelsSwallow Records

Belton Richard (October 5, 1939 – June 21, 2017) was an American Cajun accordionist and vocalist known for his baritone vocal range.[2]

Biography

Richard was born in Rayne, Louisiana, in 1939. He began to play the accordion when he was seven, and at 12 he started playing with Neg Halloway and the Rayne Playboys.[2][3] He founded The Musical Aces in 1959 after a stint playing rock and roll and swamp pop.[2] During his career he released many popular songs, including "Un Autre Soir Ennuyant", "Pardon Waltz", and "Waltz of No Return". Another notable song is "Cajun Streak", a translation of Ray Stevens' novelty hit "The Streak".[1] He died on June 21, 2017, at the age of 77, after being hospitalized with pneumonia.[4]

Legacy

The 1995 Festivals Acadiens et Créoles was dedicated to Richard.[2] Richard was inducted into the Cajun French Music Association's Hall of Fame in 1997, its inaugural year.[5] In 2003, he was inducted into the Acadian museum's 'Living Legends' list.[3] He also won the Cajun French Music Association's 'Male Vocalist of the Year' in 2004.[1]

Discography

  • I'm back (1995)
  • The Older The Wine, The Finer The Taste (2003)

References

  1. ^ a b c "Belton Richard - A brief history". Flat Town Music Company. Archived from the original on 2010-12-31. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  2. ^ a b c d Simpson, David. "Belton Richard". Archived from the original on 2009-12-01. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  3. ^ a b "Living Legends – Belton Richard". Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  4. ^ Fuselier, Herman (2017-06-21). "Cajun music legend Belton Richard dies". The Daily Advertiser (Lafayette). Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  5. ^ "Cajun French Music Association - Hall of Fame". Archived from the original on 2010-05-28. Retrieved 2011-03-18.