AL FERRIER

 

Alfous Glenn "Al" Ferrier, Sr. (August 19†, 1934– January 6, 2015) was anAmericancountry, Cajun, androckabilly musician. His nickname is "The Cajun Rockabilly", as his music is a mixture of country, Cajun music, a rockabilly influenced byCarl Perkinsandswamp blues.

Childhood and youth

In his childhood, Al Ferrier was interested inGrandpa Jones, who was then a member of theGrand Ole Opry. He began playingguitarat the age of eleven, accompanying brother Warren, who playedfiddle. Ferrier's parents were also very musical, as his father played fiddle and his mother played guitar. With his father and mother, he attended the local Barn Dances, where he also performed. At the age of 13, he left school without graduating to work in a sawmill.

Career

Together with his brothers Warren and Brian, he started his day at five o'clock in the morning to appear on regional radio inAlexandria, after which they went to the sawmill and continued to work there until evening. He left Louisiana for 18 months and lived inGaston, Alabama, but returned to his home state. In Gaston, he made his first appearance on a national radio show, theWGWD Midway Jamboree. During a power outage at the sawmill, Ferrier went home and wrote his first song, Let's Go Boppin' Tonight. Ferrier played for record label owner Eddie Shuler shortly afterwards, who signed him.

Seventy-Six Dollars a Week, 19??

Ferrier formed the bandThe Boppin' Hillbillies with his two brothers. Their first session took place in the spring of 1955, during which the songNo No Babywas recorded. This was released as the first single in April 1956. At the same time, Ferrier and his band played a series of gigs at the widely audibleKWKH Louisiana Hayride, where Ferrier met the youngElvis Presley. Presley heard Ferrier's songLet's Go Boppin' Tonightand wanted to send it to his producerSam Phillips; Ferrier, however, refused to give his consent. He later regretted this and said: "That's one big mistake I made by not leting Elvis recording it."

In the following years, Ferrier recorded on various labels, including Rocko, Zynn and Nashboro Records.

In 1980, Ferrier received an award from the mayor ofNatchitoches Cityfor 25 years in the music business. After his brother Bryan died, the Boppin' Hillbillies broke apart. Ferrier, however, formed a new band and continued his career. He performed at theNew Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and recorded new albums. In 1996, Ferrier switched togospeland released the albumHelp Me Keep the Faith.