Born August 3, 1946 in Westlake Louisiana, Broussard is now a resident of Lake Arthur and married to Norma Jean Monceaux. He began playing the accordion at age 20 and also learned to play the guitar, fiddle, steel guitar and harmonica. For the past 25 years, he has performed as Cajun August and Friends. He has written many memorable Cajun songs, including Waltz of Sonny’s Lounge, Johnny’s Two Step, Calcasieu Ramblers Special, 911, Alida Special, Lake Arthur Willow, Back Home Memories, D. J. Special, Harris’s Two Step, Hardship Waltz, I’ll Never Let You Go, I Dreamed of Mommy and Daddy Last Night, and Norma Jean.

As a way of passing on the legacy of Cajun music to the next generation, Broussard teaches accordion lessons to several students each week. He has also recorded with many other bands, including The Ole Tymers Cajun Band, Lesa Cormier/August Broussard and the Sundown Playboys, Bobby Leger and the Lake Charles Playboys, Milford Simon and th Hicks Wagon Wheel Ramblers and John Oliver’s Louisiana Ramblers.

In 1995, he was recognized by the Cajun French Music Association by being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Broussard donates his time and plays for many charitable events throughout southwest Louisiana, including the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home, area schools and church events.

(Photo by David Simpson)