Lawrence "Blackie" Fruge- Elton Two Step

Lawrence "Blackie" Fruge was born September 20, 1930 and grew up in a musical family. His uncle was Ernest Fruge who recorded for Brunswick records in 1929 and 1930. His father, Lawrence Sr, taught children how to play various instruments when they were growing up. Blackie started playing when he was 12 years old starting with the fiddle, then learning the drums and guitar.

Around 1950 he played in his father's band, The Country Playboys, which included his brothers and sister. They recorded one record on the TNT label. In the mid 1950's Blackie built a home in Jennings and a year later it was destroyed by Hurricane Audrey. He built a home in Midland, then moved to Lake Arthur where he worked as a paint and body man and played music. In 1959 Blackie recorded one record; one of the last Cajun records to be released on Khoury's records.

For George Khoury, Cajun releases on his label after 1955 were slim. With a couple releases by Nathan Abshire and Pee Wee  Broussard, he had other interests in mind. He had a hit on his hands with Cookie and the Cupcakes R&B hit "Mathilda" and he was looking into that field more than ever. In 1959, he landed a even bigger hit with Phil Phillips' "Sea of Love". And in that year he only released two Cajun releases, one being by Blackie and the Moonlight Serenaders.


Blackie and the Moonlight Serenader's "Elton Two Step" was recorded in KJEF studios in Jennings. The song bears no resembleance to JB Fuselier's version nor Amede Ardoin's. It is a rousing version of "Creole Stomp" previously recorded by Pee Wee Broussard and Lawrence Walker. Joining Blackie on the recordings was his brother Joseph on guitar, his sister Eula Mae Fruge on bass, Voylen "T-Boy" Esthay on fiddle, Mayeuse Manuel on accordion and Lewis Scott on steel guitar. 

Later in 1967, he would go on to  recorded for the Cajun Jamboree and Circle D labels. He also recorded with the Tee Mamou Playboys, Louisiana Rhythmaires,Crowley Playboys, Cajun Kings, Lake Charles Playboys as well as his own group, The Hicks Wagon Wheel Ramblers. He also was known to play with Ally Young and the 7-Up Playboys. Blackie can also be found singing on Lionel Cormier and the Sundown Playboy's "Black Bayou Special".

Resources
Early Cajun Music Blog
conversation with Micheal Fruge
Ron Yule- Cajun Dance Hall Heyday