Lafayette native Wayne Toups, the legendary Grammy-winning Cajun-Zydeco musician, recently treated his fans to a wonderful trip down memory lane. On his official YouTube channel, Toups shared a clip from his 1996 appearance on the popular show “Nashville Now,” where he and his band brought their signature “ZyDeCajun” sound to the national stage.
The video features Toups performing his hit ballad “Take My Hand,” which, while a departure from his usual high-energy songs, is still an iconic ballad that still gets fans on the dance floor for belly rubs. Watching Toups deliver a passionate performance while sporting his then-signature mullet hairstyle – a style that seems to be making a comeback – feels like a trip down memory lane. It’s reminiscent of the time when Toups was at the peak of his illustrious career, delivering impressive performances for audiences across the country with his unique blend of Cajun and Zydeco music.
In another clip shared on his page, we are treated to an incredible interview segment where Toups sits down with the show’s host, Katie Haas, and his longtime friend and fellow Louisiana native, Sammy Kershaw. The camaraderie between Toups and Kershaw feels right at home, especially when Kershaw jokingly warns Toups not to “curse” during the broadcast.
During the interview, Toups recounts how his and Kershaw’s paths first crossed. Toups initially recalls meeting Kershaw at Cowboys in Lafayette, where he occasionally sat in with him. However, Kershaw corrects the story, reminding Toups that they met much earlier at recording sessions in Crowley, where Kershaw confessed that he was a huge fan of Toups. The exchange is one of mutual respect and admiration, with Kershaw going so far as to call Toups one of the best entertainers he’s ever seen – a compliment that brought a familiar smile to Toups’ face that his fans still know and love.
During the interview, Toups was also able to explain the origins of his “ZyDeCajun” style, a term he coined to describe his unique blend of zydeco and Cajun music. He explained that zydeco is more rooted in Creole and rhythm & blues influences, while Cajun music, which he and Kershaw grew up listening to in their respective hometowns of Crowley and Kaplan, is more folk-oriented. Toups even mentioned community coffee during the conversation, a nod to his Louisiana roots that resonated with viewers back home.
These throwback clips certainly highlight Wayne Toups’ talent and charisma, but also serve as a reminder of how good we have it when it comes to Acadiana’s rich musical heritage. Both Toups and Kershaw continue to perform and entertain to this day, and these vintage videos are a must-see for fans who appreciate both artists and the deep roots of Louisiana music.
If you want to relive more such nostalgic moments, you can watch more videos on Wayne Toups’ YouTube channel.
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