Lawrence Walker

Lawrence Walker (September 1, 1907 – August 15, 1968) was a Cajun accordionist known for his original songs, including Reno Waltz, Evangeline Waltz, Bosco Stomp, and Mamou Two Step. Born in Duson, Louisiana, on September 1, 1907, to Allen Walker, a fiddle player, Walker began playing in a band with his father and brother Elton at the age of 13. They recorded their first record in 1929 with Bluebird Records. In 1936, Walker performed at the National Folk Festival. Although he made most of his money through rice farming, he focused on music after World War II, touring with his band The Wandering Aces. Walker died in Rayne, Louisiana, of heart failure. His accordion-playing skills and showmanship made him a crowd-pleaser and winner of numerous accordion contests. His original songs continue to be a part of the Cajun repertoire to this day.