The Ann Savoy Collection Goes Live

The Arhoolie Foundation is proud to make available new audio interviews with legendary Cajun and Creole musicians from the Ann Savoy Interview Collection. Ann’s collection consists of recorded interviews she conducted with Louisiana musicians over the past 45 years. Among the interviewees are some of the most significant figures in the history of Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco music.

The latest addition to our archives includes interviews from the first volume of Ann’s seminal book Cajun Music: A Reflection of a People (available from Bluebird Press). First published in 1985, the volume features interviews with legendary musicians including Dewey Balfa, Clifton Chenier, Canray Fontenot, D.L. Menard, Belton Richard, and many more. The interviews allow the listener to hear the voices of those who made the music while also capturing Ann’s graceful and insightful interviewing style.

“These interviews are really a national treasure,” commented John Leopold, Managing Director of the Arhoolie Foundation. “Having all these iconic musicians being interviewed by a Cajun music icon herself is a true delight.” Ann Savoy has a long relationship with the Arhoolie Foundation, having recorded for Arhoolie Records for 40 years. She has been an ambassador of Cajun music and culture throughout the country.

The Arhoolie Foundation made the interviews from her second volume available in streaming audio in 2021. Ann appeared in the Arhoolie Awards: Celebrating American Roots Music video that same year. She currently serves on the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Hear interviews from the Ann Savoy Collection at www.arhoolie.org.