Doug Kershaw
b. 24 January 1936, Tiel Ridge, Louisiana, USA. This renowned fiddle player and vocalist is a major figure in cajun, or acadian circles, the traditional music of Louisiana's French-speaking minority. He was introduced to music by Daddy Jack and Mama Rita, who subsequently appeared in many of the artist's compositions, and joined a family-based band, the Continental Playboys, on leaving high school. When Kershaw's songwriting talent resulted in a publishing and recording deal, he formed a duo with one of his brothers, and as Rusty And Doug quickly became popular throughout the southern USA. By 1956, they were a regular attraction on THE WORLD'S ORIGINAL JAMBOREE, a weekly showcase for local talent, and the following year enjoyed a residency on the famed GRAND OLE OPRY. Three of Kershaw's original compositions, Louisiana Man, Joli Blon and Diddy Liggy Lo, not only became cajun standards, but have been the subject of numerous cover versions by both pop and country acts. The brothers embarked on separate careers in 1964, but despite the approbation of their peers, Kershaw did not secure a larger audience until 1968, when he guested on "The Johnny Cash Show". This appearance coincided with the release of THE CAJUN WAY, the artist's debut for Warner Brothers, which affirmed his newfound popularity. Cameos on albums by Bob Dylan and John Stewart endeared Kershaw to the rock fraternity, while a series of stellar '70s recordings confirmed his talent as a flamboyant musician and gifted composer.