Cajun music is born of a history of struggle. Today’s Cajuns trace their roots to the early French-speaking colonists of Acadia, in what is now Nova Scotia. Their land officially became English property in 1755, and they were forced out and dispersed in what has become known as the Grand Derangement. Within ten years, many found their way to southeastern and southwestern Louisiana, where they eventually inhabited a stretch of land that runs from the bayous south of New Orleans across lower Louisiana to the Texas border, and up into the prairies nearing the central part of the state. The Spanish then ruled Louisiana, and they encouraged the hard-working settlers to build up the rural flatlands and become fishermen and farmers, cattle ranchers and craftsmen. A few of these settlers reached higher social elevations, but most did not.
The word “Cajun” itself started as a derogatory slurring of “Acadian.” From “Yankee Doodle” on down, a sly sense of irony begins to inhabit those being mocked. But, Cajuns adopted their new name as a badge of honor.