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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZKERSHAW, Doug(b 24 Jan. '36, Tiel Ridge LA) Plays 20 instruments, best known for Cajun fiddle, songwriting. From poor family, spoke French; learned English at school in Lake Arthur from age seven; studied maths in college and wrote songs from age 18. Formed group with two brothers, then just Rusty and Doug; performed on radio incl. Louisiana Hayride, World's Original Jamboree in Wheeling WV; Grand Ole Opry '57; also Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark shows, etc. Rusty and Doug had hit 'Hello Sheriff' in country chart '58 on Roy Acuff's Hickory label; meanwhile Doug joined US Army for three years. Back in Nashville, autobiographical 'Louisiana Man' became no. 10 country hit '61, now covered hundreds of times. Third hit 'Diggy Liggy Lo' '61; split with Rusty '64 (his later work incl. album Now And Then); Doug signed with WB, appeared on first Johnny Cash TV show with Bob Dylan. Played at Nixon inaugural; minor single hit again with 'Diggy Liggy Lo' '69. LPs on WB incl. The Cajun Way '69, Spanish Moss '70, Doug Kershaw and Devil's Elbow '71, Douglas James Kershaw '73, Mama Kershaw's Boy '74, live Alive And Pickin' '75, The Ragin' Cajun '76, Flip Flop Fly '77, Louisiana Man '78; Louisiana Cajun Country '79 on Starflite; also Instant Hero on Scotti Brothers. |