Cultural Impact of Anglo Americans on Cajun Music

1. Influx of Anglo Americans into Southwest Louisiana

The influx of Anglo Americans into southwest Louisiana during the early 20th century was primarily driven by two major factors: the discovery and development of oil reserves and the expansion of the lumber industry.

• Oil Boom: In the early 1900s, vast oil deposits were discovered in the region, leading to a surge in oil exploration and drilling activities. This attracted a large number of Anglo American workers and entrepreneurs, who established oil companies, refineries, and service businesses.
• Lumber Industry: The rich forests of southwest Louisiana provided a valuable source of timber, attracting logging companies and sawmills. This, in turn, brought in more Anglo Americans, who sought employment in the lumber industry.

The arrival of these Anglo Americans brought about significant cultural changes in southwest Louisiana, including an influence on the region’s music.

2. Commercial Impact of the Movie Industry, Recording Industry, and Radio

The development of mass media, particularly the movie industry, the recording industry, and the radio, played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape of southwest Louisiana.

• Movie Industry: The rise of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s exposed Cajun audiences to new genres of music, such as country, jazz, and blues. These genres began to influence the sound of Cajun music, introducing new rhythms, melodies, and harmonies.
• Recording Industry: The advent of commercial recording in the 1920s allowed Cajun musicians to reach a wider audience and share their music with people beyond their local communities. This exposure to broader musical influences further contributed to the evolution of Cajun music.
• Radio: The widespread adoption of radios in the 1930s and 1940s brought a diverse range of music into Cajun homes, further expanding their musical horizons. Radio stations played not only Cajun music but also popular genres like jazz, swing, and country, all of which began to leave an imprint on the Cajun sound.

3. Styles of Music Influencing Cajun Music

The influx of Anglo Americans and exposure to mass media brought about the influence of various musical styles on Cajun music, particularly during the String Band Period (mid-1930s to mid-1940s).

• Country Music: Country music, with its emphasis on storytelling and simple melodies, had a significant impact on Cajun music. Cajun musicians began incorporating country elements into their songs, such as the use of yodeling and the adoption of more sentimental themes.
• Jazz: Jazz, with its improvisational nature and complex harmonies, also influenced Cajun music. Cajun musicians began to experiment with jazz rhythms and harmonies, adding a new layer of sophistication to their sound.
• Blues: While not as direct as country or jazz, the blues also played a subtle role in shaping Cajun music. The blues’ bluesy melodies and soulful expressions found resonance with Cajun musicians, who incorporated elements of blues into their own songs.

Part Two: Musical Perspectives of European and African Traditions

The musical traditions of Europe and Africa have each made significant contributions to the development of Creole and Zydeco music, particularly in terms of rhythm, pitch, and performance.

Rhythm

• European Tradition: European music typically emphasizes a steady, even rhythm, often based on a duple meter (2/4 or 4/4 time signatures). This emphasis on regularity and predictability provides a structured foundation for the music.
• African Tradition: African music, on the other hand, is characterized by complex, syncopated rhythms that often feature polyrhythms and cross-rhythms. These rhythms create a sense of energy, excitement, and improvisation, adding a dynamic element to the music.

Pitch

• European Tradition: European music typically employs a diatonic scale, consisting of seven distinct pitches. This scale provides a familiar and melodic framework for the music.
• African Tradition: African music often incorporates pentatonic scales, which consist of five distinct pitches. These scales lend a bluesy and soulful quality to the music, evoking a sense of emotion and depth.

Performance

• European Tradition: European music performances often emphasize precision, technical skill, and adherence to a written score. This approach creates a refined and polished sound.
• African Tradition: African music performances are characterized by spontaneity, improvisation, and a call-and-response structure. This approach fosters a sense of community and engagement between performers and audience.