Austin Pitre -"Dont Shake My Tree"

In 1959 Austin Pitre had one of the first biggest hits on Swallow records with "Flum De Faire". He continued on with a series of recordings on Floyd Soileau's Swallow Records. Austin and the Evangeline Playboys made the rounds of the large dancehall circuit of the 50's and 60's. The band played eight dances a week at the Silver Star, Evangeline Club, Hick's Wagon Wheel, Jungle Lounge and on and on.

Austin grew up hearing his parents play music after working in the field all day. On his 6th birthday his father gave him a accordion and by the time he was 11 years old he was playing music with his father. At age 22 he formed his own band, the Evangeline Playboys. His flamboyant playing style and energetic vocals set him apart from other Cajun musicians of the era. Austin and his band became one of the most sought after Cajun bands in the area.

The "don't shake my tree" verse has a long history in popular music, It appears as the chorus of a unpublished song composed by Irving Berlin in 1914. Bessie Smith's "Mamma's Got the Blues" includes the line as well. William Harris's "Hot Time Blues" recorded in 1928 used the phrase as did many popular blues songs. When the Beatles covered Carl Perkins's "Matchbox" they included the "don't shake my tree" verse. What version Austin drew inspiration for his cover is unknown.

Austin and the Evangeline Playboys recorded their version in 1963. It was backed with "Jungle Club Waltz" on Swallow 10146. Playing on the session with Austin was Harry LaFleur on fiddle, J Audrey "Cabrie" Menier on steel, Dickey Gill on guitar and  Eston Bellow on drums. Austin and his band would continue recording  for Swallow until 1971.



Resources
John Broven -South To Louisiana
Wade Falcon