Adam Hebert
“Cajun Crooner with a Country Soul”
Quick Intro
Born near Church Point, Louisiana on August 23, 1923, Adam Hebert was a beloved Cajun singer and fiddler whose music bridged the gap between traditional Cajun, country, and early rock ‘n’ roll. Known for his emotive vocals and dancehall-ready arrangements, Hebert became a staple of Louisiana’s musical landscape from the 1950s through the 1970s.
In-Depth Profile
Adam Hebert’s musical journey began with a homemade fiddle crafted from a chocolate box and screen wire, strung with horsehair from the family mare. By thirteen, he had upgraded to a Montgomery Ward fiddle and began performing with accordionist Felton Carriere, helping introduce the accordion to local dance halls. After serving in the army, Hebert returned to Louisiana and formed Adam Hebert and The Country Playboys, recording for Swallow Records from 1959 to 1973.
His band’s instrumentation—steel guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, and accordion—reflected a fusion of Cajun tradition with country and early rock influences. Hebert’s vocals carried the emotional weight of Cajun storytelling, and his arrangements kept dance floors packed across Louisiana. Though many recordings were made in dance halls with variable fidelity, the raw energy and authenticity of his performances resonated deeply with audiences.
Hebert’s music reached beyond Louisiana when his song “La Valse de Ma Cherie” was featured in the 1975 Charles Bronson film Hard Times. His lyrics, often poetic and playful, showcased a lyrical charm that continues to inspire Cajun musicians today.
Adam passed away on October 11, 2010, but his legacy lives on in the countless bands that still perform his songs and in the hearts of fans who remember his voice as the sound of Cajun soul.
Signature Tracks
- “Madeleine” — a lively two-step that remains a favorite among Cajun dance bands
- “La pointe aux pins” — evocative and melodic, capturing the spirit of Cajun countryside
- “Le moulin” — rhythmic and nostalgic, a staple in Cajun band repertoires
Notable Accomplishments & Awards
- CFMA Hall of Fame Inductee — 1997
- “La Valse de Ma Cherie” featured in Hard Times (1975), starring Charles Bronson
- Recorded extensively for Swallow Records from 1959 to 1973
- Influenced generations of Cajun musicians and remains a staple in Cajun band repertoires
Bonus Notes
- Passed away on October 11, 2010, after years of declining health
- His music continues to be played and recorded by contemporary Cajun artists
- Remembered for his humility, creativity, and dedication to Cajun culture
Album Reviews
The Essential Collection
Sing Out! Magazine — Written by Tom Druckenmiller (September 2002)
“The rhythm is infectious!”
The music in this collection represents the classic Cajun dance hall style of the 1950s and ’60s with country and early rock ‘n’ roll influences. This generous offering of 27 tunes features instrumentation as welcome on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry as in any dance hall in Lafayette on a Saturday night. Cajun fiddle and accordion coexist happily alongside the steel and electric guitar, bass and drums. And, oh my, the rhythm is infectious! Hank Sr. must have had a profound influence on Adam and the Playboys. The quality of the remastering varies widely as it sounds like most of the selections were simply taken directly from classic 45s that were recorded in empty dance halls but the quality and enthusiasm of the performances shine through for generations to come.