The Cajun French Music Association is an association dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Cajun music and culture.www.cajunfrenchmusic.org "Main Page"
History The Cajun French Music Association is a non-profit organization of Cajuns and non-Cajuns whose purpose is to promote and preserve, not only Cajun music, but also various aspects of the Acadian Heritage. The CFMA was founded in Basile, Louisiana, in November 1984 with Harry LaFleur of Eunice, Louisiana, as its founder. Since its beginning with less than 30 members, the association has grown to a membership of approximately 2,000 families, serving seven chapters in Louisiana, three chapters in the Cajun region of Southeast Texas, and a chapter in Chicago, Illinois.
Hall of Fame The CFMA publishes a Hall of Fame. With entries up to 2019 as of February 2023.
2019 Allen Fontenot Daniel Cormier Kerry Boutte
2018 Tim Broussard Julius "Pappa Cairo" Lamperez
2017 Johnny Sonnier Ervine "Dick" Richard Lawrence & Judith Patin / LaPoussiere Cajun Dance Hall
2016 Atlas Fruge Dieu Donne "Don" Montoucet
2015 Ambrose Thibodeaux Leroy Broussard Milton Vanicor Hadley Castille Lee Manuel Elias Badeaux Will Balfa Jesse Stutes Cleveland Crochet Angelais LeJeune Nolan Cormier Rodney Balfa Willis Touchet Bois Sec Ardoin Geno Thibodeaux Doug Kershaw Barry Ancelet
2014 Lee Benoit Felton Le Jeune Wallace "Red" Touchet August Broussard
2013 Roland Doucet Orsey "RC" Vanicor Jesse Legé
2012 Jackie Caillier Ellis Vanicor
2011 Rodney Miller Wayne Toups Larry Miller
2010 Sheryl Cormier Clarence Martin Jr.
2009 Doris Matte Leo Soileau Jim Olivier
2008 Lionel LeLeux Jo-El Sonnier
2007 Elias "Bobby" Leger Terry Huval Dave Soileau
2006 Reggie Matte Clifton J "Cliff' Newman
2005 Pierre Varman Daigle Voris "Shorty" LeBlanc Darrell Higginbotham
2004 Jimmy C. Newman Ed Gary
2003 Robert Bertrand Larry L. Miller Te Bruce Broussard - D.J.
2002 Rufus Thibodeaux Cleoma Breaux
2001 Dallas Roy Anthony "Tony" Thibodeaux Pete Bergeron - D.J.
2000 Phillip Alleman Harry Lafleur
1999 Nonc Allie Young Andrew Cormier Houston LeJeune - D.J.
1998 Phil Menard Ivy James Dugas
1997 Fernest Abshire Nathan Abshire Amedee Ardoin Dewey Balfa Alpha Bergeron Shirley Ray Bergeron Joe Bonsall Amedee Breaux Sidney Brown Vin Bruce Harry Choates Octa Clark Elton (Bee) Cormier Lesa Cormier Lionel Cormier Camey Doucet Jerry Dugas Joe Falcon Ledel (Blackie) Forestier Oran "Doc" Guidry Adam Hebert Leroy (Happy Fats) Leblanc Iry LeJeune Rodney Lejeune Dennis McGee D.L. Menard Walter Mouton Austin Pitre Belton Richard Aldus Roger Floyd Soileau Lawrence Walker
LeCajun Award Winners The CFMA makes LeCajun awards each year for Band of the Year, Best Accordionist, Best Fiddler, Best Male and Female Vocalist, Song of the Year and Best Recording of the Year. Cajun bands worldwide may receive awards. A Winners' Corner lists those who won the most awards by category. 2019 winners listed as of February 2023.
Appreciation Award 2015 Mitch Reed
Fiddler of the Year 1994–2009 2009 Travis Benoit 2008 Joel Savoy 2007 Al Berard 2006 Courtney Granger 2005 Jason Begeron 2004 Louis Dronet 2003 Tony Thibodeaux 2002 Rufus Thibodeaux 2001 Travis Matte 2000 Michael Doucet 1999 Elridge Aguillard 1998 Travis Matte 1997 Travis Matte 1996 David Greely 1995 Terry Huval 1994 Travis Matte
Best Recording with a Fiddle 1989–1993 1993 Terry Huval 1992 Al Berard 1991 Steve Riley / David Greely 1990 Rufus Thibodeaux 1989 Harry LaFleur
Accordionist of the Year 1994–2007 2009 Paul Daigle 2006 Lee Benoit 2005 Jackie Callier 2004 Kevin Naquin 2003 Jackie Caillier 2002 Kevin Naquin 2001 Lee Benoit 2000 Kevin Naquin 1999 Jackie Caillier 1998 Jesse Lege 1997 Horace Trahan 1996 Steve Riley 1995 Reggie Matte 1994 Blake Mouton Best Recording with an Accordion 1989–1993 1993 Steve Riley 1992 Tim Broussard, Wayne Toups 1991 Steve Riley 1990 Bruce Daigrepont 1989 Bruce Daigrepont
Female Vocalist of the Year 2014 None given 2013 Megan Brown 2012 Jeanette Vanicor Aguillard 2011 Ashley Hayes 2010 Kristi Guillory 2009 Helen (Hélène) Boudreaux 2008 Kira Viator 2006 Valerie Benoit 2005 Les Amies Louisianaises: Jeanette Aguillard, Janet Aguillard, Donna Suarez, Lisa Aguillard 2004 Ashley Hayes 2003 None selected 2002 Eva Touchet 2001 Christine Balfa 2000 Suzanne Fallon-Diaz 1999 Les Amies Louisianaises: Jeanette Aguillard, Janet Aguillard, Shelia Agillard, Donna Thibodeaux 1998 None given 1997 Christine Balfa 1996 Helen Boudreaux 1995 Kristi Guillory 1994 Helen Boudreaux 1993 Ann Savoy 1992 Becky Richard 1991 Becky Richard 1990 Becky Richard 1989 Becky Richard
Male Vocalist of the Year 2006 Lee Benoit 2005 Ivy Dugas 2004 Belton Richard 2003 Ivy Dugas 2002 Ed Gary 2001 Don Fontenot 2000 Kevin Naquin 1999 Ivy Dugas 1998 Ivy Dugas 1997 Ivy Dugas 1996 Robert Jardell 1995 Jo-El Sonnier 1994 Robert Elkins 1993 Robert Elkins 1991 Johnny Sonnier 1992 Johnny Sonnier 1990 Johnny Allen 1989 Robert Elkins
Best First Recording of the Year 1998–2011
2011 "Don't Bury Me" - Ellis Vanicour & the Lacassine Playboys w/ Kaleb Trahan 2010 "Cadien Vien Au Village" - Gerald Thibodeaux & Cajun Accent w/ Ken Stewart, Justin Cormier, Vincent Romero, Larry Comeaux, Jody Breaux 2009 "Hommage á Andrew Cormier" - Charles Thibodeaux & the Austin Cajun Aces w/ Dale Dougay, Steve Doerr, Tracey Schwartz 2008 Unknown 2007 Unknown 2006 Les Larmes Dans Tes Yeux - Seth Guidry 2005 Charlie Roger and the Lafayette Playboys 2004 "For Old Time Sake" - Ray Abshire and Friends 2003 "La Tete Fille De Carencro" - Al Roger, Terry Cormier & Louisiana Pride 2002 "Deux Vies Pour Te Donner" - Jay Cormier 2001 "A la Vielle Maniere"(The Old Way) w/Jason Frey, Travis Matte, With Lagniappe 2000 "Pour Les Danseur" w/Kenneth Thibodeaux, Jason Frey, Randy Bellard, Jimmy Higginbotham, Ray Thibodeaux, Danny Cormier, Scott Ardoin 1999 "Fier D'etre Cajun" w/Don Fontenot, Eldridge Aguillard, Leighton Thibodeaux, Karl Deshotels, Kurt Daigle, Waven Boone, Freddie Pate, Danny Cormier, Troy Jagneaux 1998 "Memories de Passe" Mack Manuel, Jesse Lege w/Lake Charles Ramblersw/Jesse Lege, Mack Manuel, Orsy "R.C." Vanicor, Elzie Matthews, Robert La Pointe, Leetal Hank
Best First Album/CD by a Band 1996–1997 1997 "Ossun Express" Horace Trahan & Ossun Express w/Horace Trahan, D. L. Menard, Terry Huval, Stacey Huval, Christine Balfa, Nelda Balfa, Kevin Wimmer, Dirk Powell 1996 "Robert Jardell & Pure Cajun" w/Robert Jardell, Milton Melancon, Edwin Guidry, Edmond Guidry, Jody Viator 2009 " 3 Daigles & a Huval, Paul Daigle Jacob Daigle Braylin Daigle & Calen Huval
Best First Album by a Band 1992–1995 2009 " 3 Daigles & a Huval, Paul Daigle Jacob Daigle Braylin Daigle & Calen Huval 1995 "Reveille" w/Kristi Guillory, Bill Grass 1994 "Beau Thomas & Cajun Power" w/Beau Thomas, Jimmie Barzar, Billy "Botch" Richard, Glen "Chic" Richard, Randy Melancon, Colby Thomas, Joe Simon, "Cajun Power" John Trahan, Robert Jardell, Christine Balfa 1993 "La Musique de Vieux Temps" Joe Simon & the La. Cajuns w/ Joe Simon, Percy Boudreaux, Ed Gary, Mervin Faul, Mark Corbello, Hugh Johnson 1992 "Memories de MaMa" "Danny Brasseaux & Cajun Express" w/Danny Brasseaux, Floyd Brasseaux, Ulysse Poirrier, Kenneth Richard, Ricky Venable, Scotty Hargroder
Award for the Preservation of Traditional Cajun Music 1992 McCauley, Reed, Vidrine
New Horizon Award 1991 1991 "Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys" w/Steve Riley, David Greely, Kevin Barzas, Mike "Chop" Chapman, Christine Balfa
Up & Coming Band 1989–1990 1990 "Sheryl Cormier & Cajun Sound" 1989 "Laissez Faire" w/Ed Billeaud, Wilson Touchet, D. Peters, E. Chapman, R. Monsour
Best Recording of the Year 1998–2007 2006 Bayou Roots by Chris Miller and Bayou Roots 2005 A Bit of Two Worlds - Jackie Callier and the Cajun Cousins 2004 "Bayou Groove" - Kevin Naquin 2003 "Let's Kick Up Some Dust" - Jackie Caillier & The Cajun Cousins 2002 "AuCoup D'eclair" - Kevin Naquin 2001 "Le Necessaire" (The Necessities) w/Don Fontenot et Les Amis de la Louisiane 2000 "Pour La Premiere Fois" Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys w/ Kevin Naquin, John Gary, Louis Dronet, Jody Viator, Dwayne Lavergne, Randy Foreman, Derick Maitre, Tony Daigle 1999 "Je Vas Sortir et Two Step" Jackie Caillier & the Cajun Cousins w/Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas, Keith Richard, Benny Mueller, Danny Cormier 1998 "Blacktop the Gravel Road" Jackie Caillier & the Cajun Cousins w/Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas, Benny Mueller, Danny Cormier, Keith Richard
Best Album/CD of the Year 1996–1997
1997 "Front Porch Cajun Music" Jackie Caillier & the Cajun Cousins w/Jackie Caillier, Dallas Roy, Ivy James Dugas, John Dale Hebert, Benny Mueller, DannyCormier, Marty Pryor 1996 "Les Petites Heures de la Nuit" Richard LeBouef & Two Step w/Richard LeBouef, Kevin Sonnier, Randy Melancon, Tommy Guidry, Jimmy Hebert, Tim Picard, Darrel Fontenot, Beau Thomas, Camey Doucet
Best Album of the Year 1989–1995 2009 " 3 Daigles & a Huval, Paul Daigle Jacob Daigle Braylin Daigle & Calen Huval 1995 "Laisse Les Jeunes Jouer" Jambalaya Cajun Band 1994 "Cajun Sentiment" Le Band Passe Partout w/Joe Lirette, Robert Elkins, Travis Matte, Percy Boudreaux, Jr., Larry Hoffpauir 1993 "Tit Gailop Pour Mamou" Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys 1992 "Untit Peu Plus Cajun" Jimmy Breaux w/Michael Doucet, David Doucet, Gary Breaux, U. J. Meaux, Richard Comeaux 1991 (see New Horizon Award) 1990 "Co-eur de Cajun" Bruce Daigrepont & the Bouree Cajun Band 1989 "Stir Up The Roux" Bruce Daigrepont & the Bouree Cajun Band
Song of the Year
2006 "Ma Petite Femme" Lee Benoit singer/Al Berard songwriter 2005 Biggest Fool in the World - Ivy Dugas (Greatest Hits and More) 2004 "C'est Trop Tard" - Kevin Naquin 2003 "Joues Pas Avec Le Couer Oui T-Aime" - Ivy Dugas 2002 "Belle Louisiane" - Brittany Polaski - vocals / Zachary Richard - songwriter 2001 "The Porch Swing" Don Fonenot singer/Ellis Deshotels songwriter 2000 "Je Suis En Amour Avec La Femme Que J'ai Marier" Kevin Naquin singer & songwriter/John Gary singer/Jean Arceneaux songwriter 1999 "La Visit" Lee Benoit singer & songwriter/Eddie Bodin background vocals/Richard Meaux & Freddie Pate songwriters 1998 "Little Short Pants" Ivy Dugas singer/Vin Bruce & Lee Lavergne songwriters 1997 "The Gravel Road" Ivy Dugas singer & songwriter 1996 "Where Were You Last Wednesday?" Robert Jardell singer/Robert Jardell songwriter 1995 "La Valse de Chere BeBe" Jo-El Sonnier singer/Jo-El Sonnier songwriter 1994 "Ne Phes de Whisky Pour Pop" Robert Elkins singer/John Hebert songwriter 1993 "Je Suis Tout Pour Toi" Robert Elkins singer/John Hebert songwriter 1992 "Late in Life" Wayne Toups singer/Jean Arceneaux songwriter 1991 "Dernier, Dernier Chance" Johnny Sonnier singer/Ken Vallot songwriter 1990 "L Image dans le Mirror" Johnny Sonnier singer/Ken Vallot & Raymond Taussin songwriters 1989 "La Lumiere dans tor Chassis" Robert Elkins singer/Pierre Varmon Daigle songwriter
Band of the Year 2009 Paul Daigle & Family Gold - Paul Daigle, Jacob Daigle, Braylin Daigle, Calen Huval 2006 Chris Miller and Bayou Roots 2005 Jackie Caillier and the Cajun Cousins 2004 Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys 2003 Jackie Caillier and the Cajun Cousins 2002 Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys - Kevin Naquin, John Gary, Louis Dronet, Jody Viator, Dwayne Lavergne 2001 Don Fontenot et Les Amis de la Louisiane - Don Fontenot, Kurt Daigle, Karl Deshotels, Layton W. Thibodeaux Sr., Mark Young 2000 Kevin Naquin & the Ossun Playboys - Kevin Naquin, John Gary, Louis Dronet, Jody Viator, Dwayne Lavergne, Randy Foreman, Derick Maitre, Tony Daigle 1999 Jackie Caillier & the Cajun Cousins - Jackie Caillier, Ivy Dugas, Keith Richard, Benny Mueller, Danny Cormier 1998 Jackie Caillier & the Cajun Cousins - Jackie Caillier, Ivy James Dugas, Benny Mueller, Danny Cormier, Keith Richard