Jo-El Sonnier named living legend; Saturday designated ‘Sonnier day’

Famed Cajun musician and Rayne native Jo-El Sonnier received double honors to accompany his Grammy Award during ceremonies Saturday afternoon at the Warehouse.
On behalf of the Rayne Historical District Association, Mojo announced Sonnier was the first “Master” recipient of the Living Legend of Cajun and Creole Accordion.
Mojo told Sonnier, “No one else in the world deserves this award,” as he said the Rayne native “brought Cajun music across the world.”
As he accepted the framed certificate, Sonnier declared Jesus Christ was his mentor and thanked his wife for her support. He also called Rayne “a place with a Cajun soul.”
Mayor Chuck Robichaux then stepped foward to present Sonnier with a key to the city and a proclamation declaring Saturday as “Jo-El Sonnier Day” in Rayne.
The mayor told Sonnier he had “the keys to the heart of the citizens of Rayne, He also surprised Sonnier when he revealed plans to erect a sign at the entrance to the city proudly acknowledging Rayne as Sonnier’s hometown.
Sonnier choked up and wiped tears from his eyes as he talked with Mojo and Robichaux about what the honors meant to him.
In addition to honoring Sonnier, the day was dedicated to the Cajun heritage as the state marks the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Acadians to the state.
In addition to Darrell Bourque reading from his original works “Les Amis des Accordeons Acadiens et Creole”, Randy Falcon spoke about the connection of accordions with the Store. Cajun musicians Lee and Valerie assembled a small band to perform before the viewing of the first and second editions of the Mervine Kahn Legacy films.