Zachary Richard

by Sandra Brennan
Cajun rebel Zachary Richard has been offering his zesty, unique fusion of traditional cajun, zydeco, rock and New Orleans blues since the early '70s. Though not well known outside of Louisiana, Canada and France, Richard, along with Michael Doucet and others has been a key figure in the revitalization of Cajun music. He has also been a long-time social activist using his potent song lyrics to promote Cajun pride and solidarity in the face of long-standing injustice and prejudice. This activism originally somewhat alienated Richard from conservative traditional Cajun artists and from audiences unprepared for the underlying kick of his punchy party music.