Zachary Richard

Singer, songwriter and poet Zachary Richard likes to make musical gumbo by adding a mixture of Cajun, Zydeco and New Orleans rhythm and blues to his pieces.

Born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, he is committed to the defence of the native French language of the region. He has recorded albums in both French and English, including Couer Fidèle, Cap Enragé, Mardi Gras Mambo and Snake Bite Love.

A former resident of Montreal from 1976 to 1981, Richard if also a poet, and won the Prix Champlain for Faire Récolte, his second collection of French-language poetry. In addition to his artistic endeavors, he is a founding member of Action Cadienne, a volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion of the Cadien language and culture.

He also produced and narrated “Against the Tide,” a television documentary detailing the history of the Cajun people, and is involved in the effort to restore New Brunswick’s Petite Codiac River.