Wayne Toups is one of the most popular and richest Folk Singer who was born on October 2, 1958 in Crowley, Louisiana, United States. The acclaimed folk and zydeco and Americana writer and singer with Cajun origin. His most popular song, “Late in Life,” was awarded the Cajun French Music Association’s”Song” of the Year honor.
The duo of D’JalmaGarnier each became famous for cajun influence in their music.
Toups released his first album, Wayne Toups and the Crowley Aces in Europe in the late 1970s. He began gaining popularity in the United States around 1984 when he began performing at local festivals such as the Festivals Acadiens in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1986 he released his first album, Zydecajun. The Cajun French Music Association’s awarded him their “Song of the Year” Award in 1991 for his song “Late in Life.” Three of his songs, including wedding favorite “Take My Hand”, were featured in the movie Dirty Rice, and some of his work is also featured on the soundtracks for the movie Steel Magnolias and the television show “Broken Badges”. He has recorded for the major record labels Mercury/Polygram and Mercury. His 1995 release, Back to the Bayou became the fastest-selling record ever for the independent Louisiana label Swallow Records. Toups has been featured playing the accordion on singles for many country music stars. He appears on the Mark Chesnutt No. 1 hit, “It Sure Is Monday”; on Clay Walker’s “Live Laugh Love”; and on Alan Jackson’s “Little Bitty”. He played with Sammy Kershaw, George Jones, Mark Wills, Garth Brooks, and Ty England.
Toups is often known for wearing bright outfits during his performances. He has toured in over twenty-six countries, including in South America, Canada, Europe and the Far East. He has appeared on MTV and on the 1990 Super Bowl telecast.
The family was from Crowley, Louisiana to Cajun parents who were rice farmers.
