Doug Kershaw

Doug Kershaw, known as the “Ragin’ Cajun,” transitioned from a Louisiana fiddle prodigy to a celebrated musician who significantly contributed to popularizing Cajun music on a national and international scale. After releasing their first single ‘So Lovely, Baby’ which reached number 14 on Billboard’s country charts in 1955, Doug Kershaw, known as the ‘Ragin’ Cajun,’ and his brother Rusty quickly rose to prominence. The duo, ‘Rusty and Doug,’ subsequently appeared on the syndicated radio show Louisiana Hayride and were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1958. While serving a three-year enlistment in the United States Army, Kershaw composed ‘Louisiana Man,’ which became their breakthrough hit in 1961, peaking at number ten on the Billboard country chart and establishing itself as a widely covered American roots music standard.

throughout the 1970s. His 1974 album, Mama Kershaw’s Boy, became his highest-charting record, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard country chart, and his 1981 single ‘Hello Woman’ became his biggest solo hit, reaching number 29. Throughout his career, Kershaw’s distinctive fiddle work was highly sought after for collaborations and film appearances. He contributed violin to Arlo Guthrie’s Alice’s Rock and Roll Restaurant in 1970 and played electric fiddle in Grand Funk’s ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ from their 1972 album Phoenix.

In recognition of his profound and enduring contributions to music, Doug Kershaw was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009. His most recent musical endeavor was the 2014 duet album Face to Face with Steve Riley, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer of Cajun music and an American roots music icon.