Cedric Watson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cedric Watson
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Watson performs at the Library of Congress in 2019
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cedric Watson |
| Born | 1983 (age 41–42) |
| Origin | San Felipe, Texas |
| Genres | Cajun, Creole |
| Instruments | fiddle, Cajun accordion, vocals |
| Labels | Valcour Records |
| Associated acts | Bijou Creole Pine Leaf Boys |
Cedric Watson, born in 1983, is an amazing American musician. He plays many instruments and has even been nominated for four Grammy Awards!
Contents
Cedric Watson's Musical Journey
Cedric Watson was born in 1983 in San Felipe, Texas. Growing up, he heard lots of different music. This included blues, soul, country, and zydeco. Even though hip-hop was popular with his friends, Cedric loved older French songs. These songs came from Southwest Louisiana and the Houston area.
He later moved to Lafayette, Louisiana. There, he became a big part of the music scene. He helped keep Creole music alive and well.
Playing with Famous Musicians
Cedric has played with many famous Creole musicians. These include Dexter Ardoin and the Creole Ramblers and Jeffrey Broussard and the Creole Cowboys. He also played with the Pine Leaf Boys. With them, he added a strong Creole and zydeco sound. This helped shape their Southwest Louisiana music style.
Today, Cedric continues to explore Creole music. He does this with his own band, Bijou Creole.
Performing Around the World
Cedric has performed all over the United States. He has also played in other countries. These include France, Nova Scotia, Haiti, and Spain. He wants to connect Creole cultures worldwide. He hopes to show the "Creole Nation of Louisiana" to other Creole groups. He also wants them to learn about each other.
Appearing on TV
In 2010, Cedric was on the HBO show Treme. He appeared in an episode with Wilson Savoy. The show showed a character trying to join the Pine Leaf Boys. Cedric had actually left the band in 2006 to start Bijou Creole.
Cedric Watson's Music Style
Cedric Watson plays many different kinds of music. He plays old-school zydeco and his own original songs. He also plays traditional Creole music. His band's sound often includes rhythms from Africa and the Caribbean.
Playing Traditional Creole Music
Cedric plays old La-La French music. This is a type of traditional Creole music. He plays it on the accordion, fiddle, and guitar. He learned from mentors like Edward Poullard and James Adams. They played together in a group called Les Amis Creole.
With accordion player Corey "Lil' Pop" Ledet, Cedric shows more blues and R&B influences. These come from musicians like Clifton Chenier and John Delafose. Cedric is a fun and exciting performer. He easily switches between the fiddle and accordion. His playful stage presence makes him great to watch!
Bijou Creole's Unique Sound
More recently, with his band Bijou Creole, Cedric has created a new sound. They mix Louisiana's Creole music with other styles. These include soul and Caribbean influences. You can also hear hints of bluegrass and string-band music. This unique style is heard clearly on their 2013 album, Le Troubadour Creole.
Cedric Watson's Albums
Cedric Watson has released many albums. Here are some of them:
- Les Amis Creole (2006)
- Goin' Down to Louisiana with Corey Ledet (2006)
- Cedric Watson (2008)
- Homage Au Passe with Pine Leaf Boys (2009)
- L'Esprit Creole with Bijou Creole (2009)
- Creole Moon: Live From Blue Moon Saloon (2010)
- Le Soleil Est Leve with Bijou Creole (2011)
- Le Troubadour Creole with Bijou Creole (2013)
Songs on Other Albums
Cedric has also appeared on other musicians' albums:
- L'autre bord de l'eau by Savoy-Michot Cajun Band (2004)
- Movin' On by Ilana Katz Katz (2016)
