• Dear Mr.Phil, I just wanted to let you know I appreciate the time and effort every one has taken to remember such a MASTERED musician as Eddie. I played with several bands before joining Eddie's band and as far as I'm concerned he had the most truthful and authentic style of music that I had the privilege of playing.He will be missed always in my heart and soul and memories we had playing together, for there were never bad times always good times and lots of laughs and plenty of jokes. So to you and all Musicians always keep fond memories of Eddie LeJeune and he will always be with you. Thank You very Much
  Elzie Matthews Jr. Winnie,Texas
  
  
• Phil,The information regarding your tribute to Eddie Lejeune was posted in our club forum today. Eddie was a great man. His greatness was in his simplicity. He was a good friend and an honorable man. I appreciate what you are doing here. ca c'est bon,
  Le Vacheur Cadien (Cajun Cowboy), California
  
  
• I was very sorry to hear, when you announced it at Gloucester, that Eddie LeJeune had passed away in January. I have always loved his playing and singing, as well as that of his father, Iry, ever since I came to know Cajun music. I shall miss his performances greatly and also the talks he gave at festivals. Please pass my condolences to his family.
  Julian Davies, Preston, England
  
  
• I still cannot believe he is gone. Still see him smiling with a twinkle in his eye. He was a very dear man. I was privileged to spend some good time with him the last 2 years at Augusta. Well, he lived full out!
  Paula Lucas, Washington DC
  
  
• We saw Eddie twice, at Fareham in 1998 and Gloucester in 94. Julia thought he was a very nice man and got his autograph, the first in her collection. He will be greatly missed.
  Robert and Julie Baggs, Bournemouth, England
  
  
• I spent a week with Eddie LeJeune in July of last year. He was my instructor in Beginning Cajun Accordion class at Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, West Virginia. On the first day, nine people from around the USA, all new to the Cajun Accordion, gathered at the feet of Eddie LeJeune...and the magic began. Eddie taught us all to FEEL the music. He had his Point Noir with him at all times, but he played very little. By the second day, all our squeaks and squawks had disappeared and we were learning some solid basics. By Wednesday a.m. we had mastered "J'ai Passe Devant Ta Porte" and started in on "Lovebridge Waltz." Now, that may seem like child's play to you old-timers, but we nine were damn proud of ourselves. By the end of the week, we had recruited a fiddle player who also handled vocals, and four guitar players, one of whom sang "Lovebridge" with us. At Eddie's insistance, we had also given ourselves a name: We chose "Les Jeunes d'Eddie." It means "Eddie's Kids" and is also a play on Eddie's name. He said "go for it", and we signed up to perform in the Student Showcase on Friday. The children from the young people's classes started the Show with a few French songs - then it was time for the debut of "Les Jeunes d'Eddie" (It is pronounced like "Legendary"). Before we began, a giant banner displaying our name was unfurled from above the stage. Everybody expected us to start with the "easy" one..."J'ai passe...", but we fooled 'em, and jumped right in with "Lovebridge" at a good, aggressive pace. The crowd in the dance pavilion loved it - they started dancing, singing and gave us a standing ovation. Then another after "J'ai passe...". After the show, we all signed the banner for Eddie, and he said he would hang it in his living room. I'm going back in August of this year for Cajun/Creole Week, but it won't be the same with (message cut off)
  Anonymous
  (Note to sender - this is the only part of the message I received. Please send me your name and address = Phil)
  
  
• Eddie was the first Cajun musician I ever heard, when he played at File Gumbo (London, England) with D.L. Menard and Ken Smith. Can't remember how long ago that was, but I've been hooked ever since and will miss his regular trips to the UK.
  Norman Band, England.
  
  
• I was fortunate enough to meet Eddie at Augusta over the years. What I will never forget is his generosity in teaching us "non-cajuns" the subtle art of playing the accordion. Once, in trying to get a better understanding on his style of playing, I asked him if I could make a recording of him playing a few songs in order to learn. "Sure, no problem" he said, and instructed me to meet him later that day. When I arrived, there he was sitting with some of the most amazing musicians, playing like I had never heard before. Before I knew it, he turns to me and says "so what songs you want to record???", After an hour of playing, I had some of the most amazing recordings I could have ever hoped for. Later, when walking back to dinner, he asked if I got what I needed...I sheepishly responded, that being a beginner, I had hoped he could have played them a little bit slower...in order to learn. "We'll take care of you" he said, and after dinner spent another hour with me, playing and talking and making sure I got what I needed.
  There are so few people in the world willing to give of themselves to that level... let alone a musician of that stature, not concerned about "selling a CD" and letting you record them. I was truely grateful. I will miss him.
  Tim Kness, Boston, USA
  
  
• Hi Phil, cheque enclosed for the appeal fund.. very pleased that someone is doing something over here, both his music and yours have given me great joy. So it's time to give something back.
  Ed Newman, England
  
  
• Thought you might like to know that Eddie's obituary is due to appear in England's "The Independent" newspaper shortly. You are all right - he will be much missed!
  Paul Wadey, Kent, England
  
  
• I have just found out that Eddie has died and feel totally bereft and sad. His going will be a huge loss to cajun music, but he was such a delightful man, so unassuming and charming in the old sense of the word, always genuine. His heartfelt vocals communicated the feeling, even if the audience didn't understand French. He was here in Sheffield, UK, last year with Jock Tyldesley and Vera van Heeringen, and we all looked forward to seeeing him again. It's the Gloucester Cajun and Zydeco Festival this weekend, and I'm sure there'll be many tributes. My thoughts and sympathy go to Linda and their familiy. He was a lovely man.
  Barbara Jones, Sheffield, England
  
  
• I met Eddie at the Augusta Heritage Festival in Elkins, West Virginia in July of 1999. I was brand new to learning about music, in fact I never played any instrument. Eddie made it possible for others who were not signed up for his class to attend a early jam session and encouraged other beginners like myself to play the accordion with a group of other more experienced musicians providing backup (guitar and fiddle). Eddie made a lasting impression on me and I am sure he touched many other people. I liked Eddie, he made you feel real at ease. I will always remember one of his stories about himself that went like this... He was telling everyone about his life growing up and about playing cajun music and he told us how he could remember a lot of things from the past, he was sort of bragging about how good his memory was, in fact he said it was really really good, and then he said, it was short, but it was still really really good. Eddie we will miss the love you put into your music and the warmth you shared with all those around you.
  Roland Roy, Augusta, Maine, U.S.A, cajun_1@email.msn.com,
  
  
• I met Eddie several times in Holland and in Louisiana and I've learned to know him not only as a perfect traditional Acc. player but also as a patient teacher He has taught me that music is not only a matter of skills but -most important- a matter of heart and commitment. Louisiana will never be the same again.
  Bert Hek, Holland, b.hek@wxs.nl
  
  
• Bracknell, England 2000. Eddie is backstage at the Bracknell Cajun Day, chilling out with Simon and Jim, his backing musicians from ZigaZag. A member of British zydeco band Zydecommotion wanders in, puts on a seriously silly hat then wanders out. Eddie watches the whole process in silence then settles back. "I'd have two of those hats" he announces, "One to s*** in, and one to cover it up".
  Phil Underwood, England
  
  
• Heaven will be a happier place with Eddie playing his accordion. Let's hope if we get there he will have taught God to two step. Our thoughts and prayers are with [his family] in these sad times.
  Laraine and Robert Bridges, England/Louisiana
  
  
• I learned how to play the accordion from Eddie who was a kind and patient teacher. His modesty was extraordinary - I asked him once if he ever played concerts in New York. He replied "Sometimes" and promptly dropped the subject. I pushed him "So where do you play in NY?" He reluctantly responded "Well, the last time I was there I played Carnegie Hall." Now I ask - how many world class musicians who play Carnegie Hall also have the patience and love to teach beginners? Eddie was the best that Cajun culture had to offer. He will be missed.
  Fred Lyon, Florida
  
  

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Issued 15 June 2001