Phil Menard was born in the community of Cankton, Louisiana, on September, 6, 1923. He started playing the accordion at the age of twenty one and his career spanned from the late 1950's through the late 1980's. At the height of his playing days, Phil had a seven-piece band for about 10 years, playing three to four dances a week. In 1967, he formed the band called The Cajun Five. 1969, he changed the band's name to the Louisiana Travelers, which saw it's band members change through the years. Phil's band played regularly for 26 years afterwards. Most of the gigs spanned between Houston, Texas and Eunice, Louisiana. He made 15 single records, two albums, three eight track tapes ,and 3 cassette tapes. He also played the accordion on two Johnny Janot albums. During WWII, he wasn't accepted due to a farming injury to his knee, but moved to Orange, Texas to learn a welding trade to work on destroyers in the shipyard. This also allowed Phil to moonlight, playing at the many clubs located between Orange and Lake Charles, known as the infamous Silver Strip. Phil played at many large festivals, including the Houston International and the World's Fair in New Orleans. He also played at Folklife Festivals in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Louisiana and in Kerrville, Texas several times. Phil and his band toured in St. Louis, Missouri and Corpus Christi, Texas, while sharing billing with D.L. Menard and Blackie Forestier. In 1973, he scored a big hit with " LA Sha Chere" which garnered "Song of the Year" honors. Phil was known as a savvy businessman. He originally opened an ESSO Service Station on Kirkman Street in Lake Charles that he later turned into a car lot. His car lot business became a popular destination for over 40 years and he used a Cajun DJ for advertising. On Saturday's, he would have Cajun music jam sessions at his office, which brought in extra customers with his entertainment. Some of the notable musicians known to have visited his shop were Lawrence Walker, Bobby Leger, Shorty LeBlanc, Doris Matte, Ivy Dugas, Jo-el Sonnier, Pete Bergeron, among others. He was the chairman of all Cajun activities in the Lake Area, including Optimist Cajun Days. He played many benefit dances, schools, and nursing homes. In 1985, he received the Louisiana Entertainment Association's Award as "Accordion Player of the Year". Phil was responsible for teaching a number of young adults how to play the accordion in the Lake Area. On Jan. 18, 1987, Lake Charles mayor Ed Watson proclaimed it "The Phil Menard Day". In 1988, he scored perhaps his biggest hit, "The Heritage Waltz" which subsequently won "Song of the Year" honors. That same year Phil also won the first Heritage Award given by the Le Cajun Awards Show and Festival in Lafayette, Louisiana. On May 5,1990, Phil was inducted into the newly formed CFMA Lake Charles Chapter's Cajun Music Hall of Fame as a charter member. The following year in 1991, he was named head of the operation and direction of the organization along with Della Mott. Phil is also a member of the CFMA Cajun French Music Hall of Fame in Eunice. Phil passed away on Oct. 26, 2016 at the age of 93. A special thanks to Lake Charles American Press archives, Ron Yule, Tim Savoy, and Dale Menard. Composed by Neal P Granger
