Undoubtedly, “Jambalaya (On the Bayou)” is one of the most repetitively recorded songs, the most with numerous versions and covers. As a matter of fact, the song even reached the different music genres. Of course, it was reimagined by the great and credible country artists and legends. But the original is, I believe still the best. Indeed, no one can beat Hank Williams.
Jambalaya (On the Bayou)…
First of all, “Jambalaya” is a “Cajun” cuisine of rice with shrimp, chicken, and vegetables. Cajuns are the ethnic group mainly living in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
In this song, Hank Williams offered a musical interpretation of “Cajun Culture”, completing the Americanization of “Cajun Music”. Furthermore, the song helped “Cajun” became part of mainstream American culture through the endorsement of the American Superstar.
Also, the song, retaining its “Cajun Theme” interprets life, parties and of course the “Cajun Cuisine”.
During the first half of the twentieth century, south Louisianians adapted American pop culture and made it their own. The complexities of this social interchange are intimately linked to economics and into the Bayou State’s evolving social strata. Louisiana’s middle and upper class embraced American pop music distributed via sheet music, nationally syndicated radio broadcasts, and nationally distributed recordings. Meanwhile, most working-class Cajuns socialized to the local sounds of accordion-based music performed at local dances.
Hank Williams…
Hiram “Hank” Williams was born on September 17, 1923. He was regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century. Indeed, he is a legend. Moreover, Williams recorded 35 singles that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country and Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked No.1.
Born in Mount Olive, Butler County, Alabama, Williams relocated to Georgiana with his family. There he met Rufus Payne who gave him guitar lessons in exchange for meals and money. Payne had a major influence on Williams’ later musical style, along with Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb.
Years later, he relocated to Montgomery where he began his musical career. In 1937, producers of radio station WSFA hired him to perform and host a 15-minute program. That time, he formed with the “Drifting Cowboys”, his backup band, which was managed by his mother.
Williams chose to drop out from school to devote his time to his career.
Notable Covers and Versions…
After the release of Williams’, many country artists and the legends have made their covers and released them. Amongst them are Moon Mullican, Jerry Lee Lewis, Brenda Lee, George Jones, Elvis Presley, Roy Acuff, Conway Twitty, John Fogerty, and Emmy Lou Harris.
The Lyrics…
A good-bye Joe, you gotta go, me oh my oh
He gotta go-pole the pirogue down the bayou
His Yvonne the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayouThibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin’
A kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dressed in style they go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayouJambalaya, crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
For tonight, I’m-a gonna see my ma cher a mi-o
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayouSettle down far from town, get him a pirogue
And he’ll catch all the fish in the bayou
Swap his mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou
If you want to listen to their versions, kindly click their names. It will then automatically prompt you for their music videos.
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Tags
Brenda Lee, conway twitty, Elvis Presley, Emmy Lou Harris, George Jones, hank williams, Jambalaya, Jambalaya (On the Bayou), jerry lee lewis, John Fogerty, moon mullican, roy acuff