In 1936, the Ramblers—Darbone, Duhon and guitarist/vocalist Lennis Sonnier—recorded their hit rendition of the Louisiana classic "Jolie Blonde.” Other hits were soon released, including "Une Piastre Ici, Une Piastre Là-bas" and "Wondering,” sung in both French and English and released on 78 rpm vinyl. As the band’s popularity rose, its sound evolved. Electric guitarist Glen Croker, who joined the Ramblers in the ‘50s, added blues, honky-tonk country, rockabilly and swamp pop to the mix. Faced by a decline in the popularity of Cajun music, and busy with their jobs and families, the band contemplated retirement in the ‘60s. But Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records encouraged them to stay active, reissuing some of their RCA classics and recording a new album.

When Cajun and zydeco music regained mainstream popularity in the 1980s, the Ramblers’ rich history and undiminished vitality sparked media interest. In 1993, they recorded their first album in 30 years, Cajun Boogie. Performances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Super Bowl 1996 and the Newport Folk Festival followed, and the Ramblers’ 1997 release Deep Water garnered a Grammy nomination. In 2002, the band debuted in Europe, playing at the International Cajun and Zydeco Festival in Holland and the Country Rendez-vous in France, returning to France in 2003 for Nuits de Cajun et Zydeco. When not on the road, the Ramblers still play weekly, at home in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Meet the band >>

Hear the Ramblers rock out >>