The swamp-pop craze started in the late '50s as a regional fad in the Acadiana region of Louisiana and spread into East Texas. Swamp pioneer Bobby Charles fused the rollicking piano sounds of Fats Domino and Little Richard with the distinctive rhythms of black Creole musicians. Neither strictly Cajun nor zydeco music, swamp pop was--and still is--a distillation of both forms infused with early rockabilly power. Bilingual lyrics, accordions and a steady backbeat are hallmarks of the form. While many swamp pop stars remain unknown in popular circles, some, like Freddy Fender, crossed over into country music popularity.

Notable Artists: Dale & Grace, Clint West, Rufus Jagneaux