Results: Remembering Jo-El Sonnier, Last Of The Cajun-Country Crossovers?

In mid-January 2024, Cajun/zydeco musician and occasional actor Jo-El Sonnier (last name pronounced Sahn-YAY) died not long after performing at a music festival in Texas. For a while from the mid-1970's to the early '90's, Sonnier adjusted his style style some for his music to be promoted to country radio. Are you familiar with Sonnier and, maybe, any of his work?

Sonnier's music was rooted in Louisianan Acadian background and the Cajun/zydeco music that sprung from itDo you know anyone of such background?

Unknown to me before reading of his passing is that Sonnier was at least mildly autistic. He apparently functioned highly with his disability considering the success he attained. Do you know (of) anyone else who has achieved national or international notoriety regardless of having a recognized disability?

In so far as his movie career, Sonnier had a couple more soundtrack credits than he did for his acting. as of the former, his best-known role is likely in the 1985 Cher vehicle, Mask. The highest-profile movie to which he contributed musically is likely 1989's ladies ensemble comedy Steel Magnolias. If there are any other people known primarily for their music whose acting work you also enjoy, how about naming one or more in a comment?

Though originating from the Southeastern U.S., in a manner similar to bluegrass music, Cajun music is kind of adjacent to country without ever having been full assimilated by it. But a few other Cajun-informed artists have had hits on country radio. Apart from Sonnier, with which of these other recording acts of Cajun persuasion are you familiar?