Spotlight on Louisiana Legend: The Balfa Brothers

Balfa

Les Freres Balfa is a cajun band of three actual brothers who are more commonly known as The Balfa Brothers.  The Balfa Brothers grew up in a family of sharecroppers just outside of Mamou.   A huge influence on the boys becoming musicians was their father, Charles Balfa.  Charles Balfa was a hardworking man who did not tolerate laziness.  He sharecropped for three different farmers.  And after a hard day, Charles Balfa would return home to sing and play music for his family.  Their father  could play the fiddle, accordion and triangle.  The Balfa Brothers (Dewey, Will and Rodney) started playing together in the 1940s.  The would play at family functions and and eventually dance halls.  Soon the band’s popularity grew and they recorded a record.  The group traveled to all over the world bringing national attention to Cajun Music.

 

Marc Savoy performing with the Balfa brothers, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, 1974, Photograph by Chris Strachwitz/Arhoolie Records
Marc Savoy performing with the Balfa brothers, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, 1974, Photograph by Chris Strachwitz/Arhoolie Records

 

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