Blind Uncle Gaspard

by John BushA blind vocalist and guitarist from Louisiana, Alcide Blind Uncle Gaspard alternated between string-band music (in a band with his brothers) and traditional French balladry on his recordings for Vocalion. Born in Avoyelles County, Louisiana, Gaspard formed his first band with his brothers Victor and Amade. When he began recording in the late 20s though, it was as a backing guitarist for fiddler Delma Lachney. He also recorded on his own at the same 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.