Even amongst conoisseurs of oldies music, thehybrid genre known as "swamp pop" remains obscure. So obscure, in fact, that even knowledgeable music writers have been known to slip up and apply the term to the kind of dark, gritty blues-rock favored by artists such as Tony Joe White and Creedence Clearwater Revival. In truth, the style is defined by how little it has to do with the blues; this blend of Cajun waltz and rock and roll stroll is distinguished by its folk-country approach to R&B. The blues are involved, but only in so much as the blues resonate throughout all Louisiana and East Texas music.
Indeed, the ultra-romantic, plaintive style has resulted in only a handful of national Top 40 singles, the most prominent being Dale and Grace's "I'm Leaving It All Up To You" from 1961.Moreover, the major players like Van Broussard, Rod Bernard,andWarren Storm are largely unknown outside of the area, asare flagship standards like "Matilda" by Cookie and his Cupcakes. However, the music continues to be popular in the area which birthed it, and it remains a thriving genre all its own. And the influence it's already had on rockcannot be denied; the Beatles' "Oh! Darling," for example,is a sterling genre exercise that proves swamp pop translates to all cultures.
(Here are a few links to the best sites about Swamp Pop and its legends. If there's a site not listed here that you think should be, just e-mail me!)
- Encyclopedia of Popular CultureAn excellent definition of the style, with examples; also explains the origin of the phrase itself.
- Tabasco.com: Music StageAn even more in-depth explorationofswamp-pop style and history, with sound clips!
- The Swamp Pop Music Lover's PageProbably the world's only website devoted entirely to the genre. It's just a page, and not much to look at it, but it offers several resources, including radio stations, record shops, and an overview of the best swamper CDs.
- Cajun & Zydeco Radio GuideThis excellent resource lists the most popular swamp-pop favorites of all time.
- Floyd's Record ShopLong regarded as the spiritual home of swamp-pop collectors, Floyd's has a webstore here where you can purchase swamp pop old and new.
- Warren StormThis official page for the "Godfather of Swamp Pop" doesn't contain much info, but the enclosed review of his new CD does shine a little light on his history.
- Van BroussardAn official page with info and sound clips ofthe King of Swamp Pop, still performing in the style today.
- Rod BernardThe man who gave swamp-pop its firstbig hit with "This Should Go On Forever" has audio samples of his new CD available here.
