Cajun Music Star Russell Cormier Passes Away, Funeral Set

Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - We are sad to have to report that the Cajun Music world has lost another legendary voice. Russell Cormier, known for singing on most of the songs for Sheryl Cormier and Cajun Sounds, has passed away at the age of 81.

Russell J. Cormier was a native of Cankton but lived the past 30 years in Carencro with his wife, Sheryl Cormier, who both made up the band Sheryl Cormier and Cajun Sound. The band was made up of Sheryl, known as the Queen of the Accordion, Mr. Russell on vocals, and their son, Russell Jr., on drums.

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As I write this, I started reminiscing back to around 1990 when my dad and I did a show called Louisiana Bandstand here in Lake Charles every Saturday morning live from The Downtowner hotel in their bar.

We would have a different Cajun band play each Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and people would come out to dance, and we would also broadcast the music over the radio at the same time the band was playing it live in the bar.

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One of those bands that were frequent guests on the show was Sheryl Cormier and Cajun Sounds, and that was the first time I heard Mr. Russell sing. I remember how I loved the cry in his voice when he sang. One of my favorite songs he sang was The Bottle. Here is Mr. Russell and Mrs. Sheryl doing that song.

According to his obituary, his funeral services will be held today, Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Word in Melancon Funeral Home of Carencro.

Thank you, Russell, for promoting the Cajun music culture, heritage, and language, and for lending your beautiful voice to our legendary music.