Wallace “Cheese” Read was born on August 12th, 1924, in Eunice, Louisiana and was raised in the nearby farming community of Prairie Rhonde. His ancestors were immigrants predominantly from France and Germany. Cheese’s father practiced medicine and had picked up the local Cajun dialect. As a youngster, on many occasions his father would bring him to local house parties and house dances. It was at these parties, which included both African-American parties or Caucasian parties separately , that exposed Cheese to different styles of music such as jazz, blues, traditional Cajun French, and French music that included washboard. He was musically influenced by watching and listening to the musicians who played these parties. One in particular was accordion player Adam Fontenot, the father of legendary African-American fiddler Canray Fontenot. In 1936, Cheese began learning the harmonica but quickly turned his attention to the fiddle, which would be his main instrument. By the age of 15, he formed a string band that included banjo, fiddle, and guitar. He was influenced by the sounds of great fiddlers such as Leo Soileau, J. B. Fusilier, Moise Robin, Mayeus Lafleur, Harry Choates, and bands such as the Breaux family and the Hackberry Ramblers. Unlike many other fiddlers, Cheese didn’t frequent dance halls, preferring the local house dance , house party, and jam sessions . Around the mid to late 1940’s to early 1950’s, Cheese was married and had acquired his own property . There were occasions when his friend and neighbor, accordion player Amar “T-Frere” Devillier, would bring his family over to visit and the two would jam together. He became especially noted in the 1950’s through the 1970’s, when he played with notable Cajun musicians Marc Savoy, Ken and Buford Smith, Harry Lafleur. Read is featured on an album called “Cajun House Party” which was produced by Chris Strachwitz on Arhoolie Record label and also on several other projects including recordings for La Louisianne Records. Other notable musicians Cheese played with were fellow fiddler Chuck Guillory, Aubrey Deville, guitarist Preston Manuel, fiddler Canray Fontenot, drummer and guitarist Eston Bellow, accordion player Zelian Vidrine, Dowell Lafleur, Ethel Tate and others. Cheese was known for his larger than life personality and was a constant at the annual Mardi Gras festival in Mamou, Louisiana. Wallace “Cheese” Read played a major part in early Cajun music in the Acadiana Prairie region. According to musician Jerry Devillier, Cheese was a great entertainer that had a distinct playing style and knew how to keep a party going. He passed away in 1981. Photos courtesy of Ron Yule from his book Louisiana Fiddlers which were donated to him towards his book. Thanks to the contributors of his story including Eunice News archives, Evangeline News Archives, Opelousas Daily World archives, and Jerry Devillier. Composed by Neal P Granger
