Remembering Cayouche: The Legendary Acadian Country Singer

The iconic Acadian country singer, known as Cayouche, has passed away at the age of 75 in Maisonnette, located in the Péninsule Acadienne region of New Brunswick. Born in Moncton in 1949, Cayouche, whose real name was Réginald Charles Gagnon, moved to the United States near Boston with his mother at the age of 13.

His stage name, Cayouche, was given to him by American friends during his time in the U.S., reflecting his Acadian heritage. At 18, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War, returning to Canada in 1979. Cayouche launched his first album, ‘Un vieux hippy,’ at the age of 45 in 1994, drawing inspiration from the everyday life of Acadians.

Cayouche’s music resonated deeply with Acadian audiences, with hits like ‘Le p’tit Jeep à André,’ ‘Export ”A”,’ and ‘La chaîne de mon tracteur.’ He was known for his down-to-earth personality and love for connecting with his fans.

Throughout his career, Cayouche traveled extensively, performing in regions such as Quebec and Ontario, with his third album ‘Roule roule’ marking a significant milestone and expanding his reach beyond the Maritimes. By 2006, he had sold approximately 100,000 copies of his four albums.

In 2009, Cayouche delved into the world of cinema, appearing in the documentary ‘Cayouche, le temps d’une bière,’ which offered viewers a glimpse into his life and music. The film premiered at the Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie (FICFA) in Moncton.

Following his recent passing, tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and politicians, highlighting Cayouche’s enduring impact on Acadian culture and beyond. Figures like Roland Gauvin and Annie Blanchard have praised his storytelling and ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Cayouche’s legacy as a beloved and relatable artist is sure to live on, with his music continuing to bring joy and nostalgia to listeners across Canada and beyond.