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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSONNIER, Jo-El(b 2 Oct. '46, Rayne LA) Cajun- country singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for his accordion work and bluesy rock-inflected vocal style. Child prodigy, made radio debut on KSIG, Crowley LA at age six; was playing club dates at age eleven; recorded for Swallow at age 13, then for Dupree. Following high school moved to Lake Charles and joined Robert Bertrand's Louisiana Ramblers recording for Goldband with the band, and solo dubbed the Cajun Valentino. Moved to California '72 and playing mainly drums and bass toured as Jo-El Sonnier and Friends (incl. Albert Lee, David Lindley and Garth Hudson). Moved to Nashville '74 and signed with Mercury scoring minor country hits and playing sessions. Disillusioned, returned to Louisiana '79 and recorded Grammy-nominated Cajun Life for Rounder. Back to Nashville '86 for his most successful commercial period; signed to RCA scored top ten hits 'No More One More Time', 'Tear-Stained Letter'. Moved to Capitol '91, but critically-acclaimed albums failed to sell. Teamed with Eddy Raven on Cajun Cookin' '96 on K-Tel and the pair often toured together. He has written hit songs for Johnny Cash, John Anderson, George Strait etc; also appeared in films Mask, They All Laughed '81, Wildfire '90, A Thing Called Love '92. Albums incl. Come On Joe '87, Have A Little Faith '90 on RCA; Tears Of Joy '91 on Capitol; Hello Happiness Again '92 on Liberty; The Complete Mercury Sessions '92 on Mercury; Cajun Roots '94, Cajun Pride '97 on Rounder. |