Blind Uncle Gaspard

Alcide "Blind Uncle" Gaspard was a partially blind vocalist and guitarist from Louisiana who alternated between string-band music (in a band with his brothers) and traditional Cajun balladry on his recordings for Vocalion. Born in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana in 1880, he became partially blinded when he was seven. Very little is known about Gaspard and his life as a musician; even among big-time Cajun musicians and fans. A brilliant and dexterous guitarist; he is often regarded in Cajun and Americana music circles as a very mysterious and unacclaimed figure. His influences remain unknown; although his family is believed to have brought him into music. Gaspard suffered from deep depression and alcoholism throughout his life; and it is believed he remained a bachelor till his untimely death. Many of his rare recordings were re-released on Cajun compilations into the Millenium; and he has since recently retained a small cult-following. Gaspard formed his first band with his brothers Victor and Amade. When he began recording in the late 1920s it was mainly as a backing guitarist for first-generation Irish American fiddler Delma Lachney. It was then that he also recorded some solo selections of his own during these sessions. Little else is known about Gaspard, though four of his sides (and a few of his appearances with Lachney) appear on the Yazoo compilation Early American Cajun Music released in 1999. None of Gaspard's original recordings are believed to have sold over 100 copies in his lifetime. Gaspard died untimely and alone in 1937. His sudden cause of death remains unknown. Gaspard is buried at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Cemetery, in Plaucheville, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.

One of Gaspard's select songs "Sur Le Borde De L'eau" was recently featured on the 2014 soundtrack of the HBO Television series True Detective. Bringing Gaspard's musical endeavors into the mainstream public for the first time. Interest in Gaspard and his unheralded music career has grown in significance gradually since the recent rediscovery of his music; as featured on rare Cajun recordings into the Millennium.

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