Port Arthur: Harry Choates gravesite

Harry Choates was a mystery. Everything from where he was born to how he came to die in an Austin jail cell can be disputed. But there is no argument that the fiddler and singer popularized Cajun music beyond its traditional audience. And though Harry Choates didn’t write “Jole Blon,” his 1946 recording of the traditional Cajun waltz stands as a definitive version among countless recordings.

Choates was a highly skilled fiddler whose energetic style and innovative approach earned him the title of the “Godfather of Cajun Music.” His version of “Jole Blon” became a massive hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Country chart, and became known as “The Cajun National Anthem.”

Birth and Early Life:

Harry Choates was born Dec. 26, 1922, in Louisiana. Most records say he was born in Rayne, La., but his death certificate lists New Iberia, La., as his birthplace. Other records of his life list different birthplaces. Accounts suggest he grew up in a poor, rural Cajun family. By 1930, his family had relocated to Port Arthur to work in the oil fields.

Musical Career:

Harry was largely self-taught on the fiddle. He developed his musical skills at an early age, playing at local dances and gatherings. He began performing professionally in the 1930s, playing with various bands in dance halls around Louisiana and Texas. In the mid-1940s, he formed his own band, the Melody Boys, and started recording for the Gold Star Records label in Houston.

In addition to “Jole Blon,” Choates recorded dozens of Cajun tunes filled with his infectious fiddle and joyous Cajun-French wailing. His rousing songs included “Te Petit,” “Allons A Lafayette,” “Port Arthur Waltz,” and “Cajun Hop.”

Innovative Style:

Harry Choates was known for his improvisational skill and his ability to blend traditional Cajun music with elements of Western swing, jazz, and country music. This fusion helped modernize Cajun music and make it more accessible to a wider audience. His music and vocalizations share a connection to his contemporary, fiddle player and band leader Bob Wills (listen to “Harry Choates Special”).

Personal Struggles and Tragic End:

Despite his musical success, Choates’ struggle with alcoholism affected his career and personal life. His battles with addiction led to professional instability, as he frequently changed bands and recording labels. His life was cut tragically short when he died on July 17, 1951, at the age of 28. Stories suggest he died in a jail cell in Austin after being arrested for failing to pay child support. But the exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, with some reports suggesting that he died from a combination of delirium tremens (a severe form of alcohol withdrawal) and head injuries.

Legacy:

He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Port Arthur. Despite his short life, Harry Choates’ influence on Cajun music is profound. His contributions to music helped bridge the gap between traditional Cajun sounds and mainstream American music, ensuring that the rich heritage of Cajun music continued to thrive and evolve.