Country & Cajun Legend Jo-El Sonnier Dies After Performance

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Grammy-winning country and Cajun singer, and accordion and guitar player Jo-El Sonnier was a true keeper of the flame in American roots music, and a rare soul who put the preservation of the music before anything else. From the Top 10 of the country music charts to the annals of regional roots, Jo-El Sonnier was beloved by many. An autistic performer before much of the world even knew what that meant, he persevered through personal struggles to become a star while always putting the music first.
As cliché as it may sound, it’s nonetheless true that Jo-El Sonnier died doing what he loved to do, which was performing and meeting fans. After spending Friday at the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum in Brady, Sonnier played the Llano Country Opry in Llano, Texas Saturday evening, January 13th. After an hour-long set that ended with his signature rendition of the song “Tear-Stained Letter,” he came out to play an encore of “Jambalaya” by Hank Williams.
After the show, Jo-El Sonnier took a moment to rest before he was scheduled to sign autographs. It was then that he suffered cardiac arrest according to Tracy Pitcox of Heart of Texas Records. Sonnier was flown to nearby Austin for medical treatment. With his wife Bobbye by his side, Jo-El Sonnier passed away. He was 77 years old.
Born in the town of Rayne in the Acadia Parish of Louisiana, Jo-El Sonnier’s parents were French-speaking sharecroppers, and Cajun music was everywhere. He was only 3 years old when he started playing the accordion, and by the age of 6 he was performing on the radio. By the time he was a teenager, Sonnier was releasing singles and albums for the Goldband label, but not much came from it. Mercury Records saw Sonnier’s promise as a country artist and signed him, but again his career struggled.
So in 1980, Sonnier signed to Rounder Records as a Cajun artist, and found much critical acclaim in the regional roots sphere, including landing multiple Grammy nominations. Then in the late ’80s after he went out on tour opening for Merle Haggard, he was signed to RCA and his career as a country performer took off.
Jo-El Sonnier found Top 10 success with “No More One More Time” written by Troy Seals, along with “Tear-Stained Letter” by Richard Thompson. The songs were part of his most commercially successful album, 1987’s Come On Joe that included elements of his signature Cajun sound. Sonnier would later move to Capitol Records, but failed to find the same success in country as before, and once again returned to Rounder Records to record Cajun music.
Sonnier also worked as a session musician, and was revered throughout music as one of the real deal Cajun musicians keeping the traditions of the art form alive. He earned a Grammy nomination for his 1997 album Cajun Pride, and another for 2001’s Cajun Blood.
In 2013, Jo-El Sonnier released the album The Legacy, which was his first album of traditional Cajun music in 13 years. It earned Sonnier his fifth Grammy nomination, and eventually, a Grammy win for Best Regional Roots Album.
Jo-El Sonnier also dabbled in acting, and appeared in HBO’s crime drama True Detective.
Sonnier had always been socially shy and had difficulty meeting people, which was one of the things that made it difficult for him while pursuing a music career. All he wanted to focus on was the music. When he was diagnosed with autism, it helped him understand why he was different, and how to better approach life. In 2017, Sonnier released a children’s book with his sister-in-law called The Little Boy Under the Wagon about growing up with autism in the 1950s.
Jo-El Sonnier was an American original, a country legend, a Cajun hero, and one of the last real deal performers in music.
January 14, 2024 @ 10:15 pm
Sad. I saw him around 2009 when he performed a full set at Lafayette, LA’s well known Grant Street Dancehall. He signed a couple of items for me following the show. In 2015 he was called to the stage by Tanya Tucker at a performance in Lake Charles where he performed Alligator Man and Texas (When I Die), and again in 2016 by Brenda Lee to perform Jambalaya.
January 15, 2024 @ 2:43 pm
Joel played my nightclub and brought down the house! Very kind, gentleman. RIP
January 15, 2024 @ 6:35 pm
So sad to hear. He was a great entertainer and accordion player. May your memories be your comfort. Jo-El flly high with the Angels in Heaven. May his memories be eternal. God Speed.
January 14, 2024 @ 10:21 pm
Sorry to hear that. Glad I got to see Jo-el in his commercial heyday, around 1989. He did high- energy performances of Jole Blon, Come On Joe, and, of course, Tear Stained Letter.
January 15, 2024 @ 10:20 am
Very heartbreaking to hear this. My husband also true Cajun, considered Jo-El as one of the top Cajun artists and of course, one of his top 5 favorites. I felt the same way. If my husband was still living, he would be in disbelief of this heartbreaking news. We also saw Jo-El perform in Rayne, LA, as well as on Fat Tuesday in the streets of downtown Eunice,LA. Such wonderful memories. This is such a huge loss to Cajun music fans & the industry. Prayers to his wife,. Bobbye Sonnier & all Jo-El’s family & friends. ????????
January 15, 2024 @ 12:13 am
I’m really sorry to hear this. Jo-el Sonnier cut the Dickey Lee/McDill song “I’ve Been Around Enough to Know in 75 long before John Schneider had a hit with it. Dickey is really proud of that cut. He sings the last two choruses in French.
January 15, 2024 @ 4:14 am
I was at the show in Llano and that was one of the songs Jo-El sang.
On December 30, I saw both Dickey Lee and John Schneider in Gonzales, Texas.
January 15, 2024 @ 2:27 pm
Haha! You are running in good circles!
January 15, 2024 @ 1:30 am
I knew very little of the man, but he seems like a great guy.
He played on a Chris Ledoux song ‘Pass My Hat’. He seems so infectiously happy there.
January 18, 2024 @ 12:33 pm
That was my introduction to him as well. What a joyful song.
January 15, 2024 @ 2:21 am
I believe he contributed cuts/played on Johnny Cash’s “Gone Girl” album (“Canun Born” on which. Ash tells him to “play it pretty”) and on the criminally underappreciated “A Believer Sings the Truth” album which was reissued on the “Truth” bootleg release along with a slew of rare Cadh gospel sides including en entire list album featuring the Oak Ridge Boys.
Rest in peace.
January 15, 2024 @ 4:53 am
Jo-EL was truly a one-of-a-kind artist just like all the great ones. He never tried to be anything more than a Cajun accordion player and singer/songwriter, but somehow he touched everyone who ever met him. His autism only allowed him to be honest and kind to everyone. I spent many hours with him at book signings and autograph sessions and he would not leave until he had met and spoke with everyone in line. He brought joy to so many people, but it never equaled the joy that performing gave to him. He was the Real Deal in the world of country and Cajun music. He loved his wife, his family, his fans, and his friends…..but he loved music more than anyone I’ve ever met. His music will play on and on.
January 15, 2024 @ 5:36 am
“Who’s gonna fill his shoes?” No one can. His music energizes me and raises my spirit. I never saw him perform but listen to my CDs often. Those CDs are real treasures now.
January 15, 2024 @ 6:12 am
I love his music . I’ve listened to his music for years . My dad is Pete Jeansonne . He play Saxaphone since he was very very young . He has played with Joe – L . RIP . We love you and will never forget you.
January 15, 2024 @ 7:53 am
So sorry to hear about Jo-els, passing, but your loss is Heavens gain, God bless his precious family and prayers for peace and comfort during this ordeal in Jesus precious name amen
January 15, 2024 @ 7:58 am
Wish I would have to seen him in person. My condolences to Bobbye
January 15, 2024 @ 9:33 am
Lost Charlie Gearheart of Goose Creek Symphony last week too.
January 15, 2024 @ 9:59 am
I first encountered Jo-El’s music on my car radio a long time ago. The song was “Come On Joe,” and I felt perplexed: how on earth was a song of that quality getting play on country radio? Later I bought some of his albums. The joy and musicality in them was infectious. What a talent and, I read here, what a human being.
Years later, when Emmylou Harris recorded “Rollin’ and Ramblin’ (The Death of Hank Williams),” a song I wrote with Robin & Linda Williams, I was thrilled to learn that the accordion, a prominent part of the production, was courtesy of Jo-El Sonnier. I place that among the greatest honors of my life.
January 15, 2024 @ 10:08 am
I was a great singer met him in Jefferson Texas at a Mardi gras parade got his autograph on a dollar bill
January 15, 2024 @ 11:30 am
Wish I could have met him I asked my Dad if he was related to us he said he had to be rest in peace Jo-El
January 15, 2024 @ 11:58 am
Prayers sent to the family and fans We all love his music he was a great man he will be miss . Amen
January 15, 2024 @ 12:27 pm
Time spares no one, even legends. I’m still mourning the loss of Jimmy Buffett. That was a real kick in the teeth.
January 15, 2024 @ 1:08 pm
I caught Jo-El’s high energy act in Shreveport some years back and really enjoyed it. A true Cajun legend and will be missed by many I’m sure. RIP Mr. Sonnier.
January 15, 2024 @ 4:33 pm
So sorry to hear about Joel. Sending prayers to family and friends.????????????
January 15, 2024 @ 4:36 pm
I’m from NJ but I always loved Cajun music. I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Sonnier’s passing. May he rest with the Angels and keep playing his beloved Cajun music at the Lord’s knee. Prayers to his family.
January 15, 2024 @ 7:32 pm
Total shock after seeing his venue on Tracy Pitcox Facebook page.wanted to go to the show but weather didn’t cooperate. RIP Loved your music
January 15, 2024 @ 9:59 pm
I did not know that he had die I have listed to his music all my life bless his family and prayers and sorry for y’all lost
January 15, 2024 @ 10:19 pm
I have always had a big spot in my heart for CAJUN Music, way deep down in my bones (as the saying goes) and I believe that some of them had traveled from Canada to Louisiana. My background (family) is from Canada and even reaches to Normandy. Tear Stained Letter with Richard and Jo-el both together was a really good treat!!! RIP We will miss you greatly my friend.
January 15, 2024 @ 11:08 pm
There will never be another Cajun Artist like Jo-el Sonnier ! I absolutely loved his songs , especially when he sang in Cajun ! He will be sorely missed & forever be known as one of the Greatest Cajun Artists of all time!! My Heart & Prayers go out to his Family .
January 16, 2024 @ 3:11 am
Joel was such great entertainer!
I was playing at casino in Lake Charles and Joel invited me to his home and he knew how to make you feel at home!
Every chance we had to share stage together he always made my song Louisiana moon sound AWSOME with accordion! RIP my friend!
January 16, 2024 @ 2:18 am
I was radio DJ in the 80’s. I played “No more one more time” and “Tear stained letter”! …Jo-El’s hits of the moment! I gave him A LOT of airplay down in BOGALUSA, Louisiana! I am almost 71 years old now! R. I. P.
January 16, 2024 @ 2:32 am
RIP Jo-el, glad God waited till after you finished your show and you had one last performance before hitting the road to heaven.
January 16, 2024 @ 8:44 am
Cameron Parish, Louisiana native here from Grand Lake, LA by way of Johnson Bayou, LA. Met Jo-el several years ago at the Marshland Festival, which is put on by small village of Hackberry. A very nice guy, and one of my Cajun music heroes.
January 16, 2024 @ 9:12 am
So sad to hear of Jo-El’s Passing. I saw him play at Simi-Valley here in California. I’m one of his biggest fans since 1991. RIP Jo-El. You will always be in my heart.
January 16, 2024 @ 3:12 pm
He was one of my all time favorites. Hated to hear he passed. He’s now an ANGEL. Prayers for his wife, family and friends…
January 17, 2024 @ 4:36 am
Sorry to Hear about Jo Els passing ….Man how time flies …..seems luje yesterday I was playing shows on keyboards for The Bellamy Brothers and Jo was up front sitting in or had just done his show ….Him and his wife were always nice to all of us musicians ……and dont forget he played the heck out of that accordion….If I’m not mistaken you also can hear him and my other boss Eddy Raven on Catahoula from the Bellamy Brothers ….Rest In Peace Jo El ……
January 20, 2024 @ 4:11 am
Oh,crud.I was thinking of Jo-El Sonnier a couple of months ago and wondered if he were still alive .”Tear Stained Letter” was really good,and I wonder why he wasn’t more commercially successful,unless Cajun music just didn’t chart well,though it should as so many Country acts and fans are either Cajun or Louisianans.RIP,Jo-El,you’ll be missed !!!!!!