Blind Uncle Gaspard

Who was Blind Uncle Gaspard?

Alcide "Blind Uncle" Gaspard was a blind vocalist and guitarist from Louisiana who alternated between string-band music and traditional Cajun balladry on his recordings for Vocalion. Born in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana in 1880, he became blind when he was seven. Gaspard formed his first band with his brothers Victor and Amade. When he began recording in the late 1920s it was as a backing guitarist for fiddler Delma Lachney. He also recorded some solo selections during these sessions. Little else is known about Gaspard, though four of his sides appear on the Yazoo compilation Early American Cajun Music released in 1999. Gaspard died in 1937.