EP65: Ronnie J. Frugé - From His Cajun Roots

Ronnie Frugé learned t play guitar as a 10-year-old on a Sears Silvertone acoustic in a town called Iowa (pronounced I-o-way) outside the city of Lake Charles in Southwest Louisiana where, now in his 70s, he has returned to live and perform. His first influences were Cajun songs; his first band featured him on guitar and a friend on accordion. From South Louisiana his music took him to Austin, Texas, then the Colorado mountains, then to Nashville where he spent 11 years working his way up and through the swarm of guitar players all seeking stardom, and only some like, Ronnie, able even to gig regularly. No matter the town or the venue, wherever he played, the one constant was an enthusiasm and energy that got people on their feet dancing. His story is that of many: a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter who might not have achieved celebrity but is grateful for a career that has enabled him to make a living playing his music for the people.