In this Book
- Angola to Zydeco: Louisiana Lives
- Book
- 2011
- Published by: University Press of Mississippi
Angola to Zydeco: Louisiana Lives is a collection of creative nonfiction pieces about the lively personalities who call south Louisiana home. Originally published in newspapers based in Lafayette-Times of Acadiana and Independent Weekly-the twenty-five profiles and features provide intriguing glimpses into the lives of well-known Louisianans such as James Lee Burke, Ernest J. Gaines, Elemore Morgan Jr., Buckwheat Zydeco, Marc Savoy, Boozoo Chavis, Calvin Borel, Santy Runyon, and Eddie Shuler. Author R. Reese Fuller also details the sometimes zany and sometimes tragic subjects that populate the cultural landscape of south Louisiana, from Tabasco peppers to Angola prison to cockfighting.
Fuller brings years of experience in the newspaper industry to bear on this collection, offering behind-the-scenes access not available elsewhere. Of particular note are his interviews with musicians and local celebrities, who reveal how their love of the region has influenced their work. Fuller's natural approach to storytelling creates a book that is a joy to read and truly represents the people of south Louisiana.
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- pp. xiii-xv
- Angola Bound
- pp. 3-8
- Thanks for the Memories
- pp. 9-13
- Marc of Distinction
- pp. 14-25
- Line of Vision
- pp. 26-28
- Down Home with Buckwheat
- pp. 29-33
- Inside Santy’s Studio
- pp. 34-40
- A Fighting Chance
- pp. 41-56
- The Return of Swamp ’n’ Roll
- pp. 57-67
- The Man behind Dave Robicheaux
- pp. 68-83
- Signs and Wonders
- pp. 84-92
- The Last Perique Farmer
- pp. 93-101
- Driving Jimmy to His Grave
- pp. 102-114
- Strung Out on a Dream
- pp. 115-125
- Going Home
- pp. 126-139
- Handfuls of Fire
- pp. 140-146
- Another Man’s Treasure
- pp. 147-154
- Shelter from the Storm
- pp. 155-158
- No Room at the Inn
- pp. 159-161
- The Record Man
- pp. 162-174
- Don’t You Worry about Boozoo
- pp. 175-184
- A Fistful of Hope
- pp. 185-196
- The Forgotten
- pp. 197-207
- Ride of His Life
- pp. 208-214
- One Day in Jena
- pp. 215-225
- Mourning Elemore
- pp. 226-228