Funeral services for Grammy-winning Cajun musician Jo-EL Sonnier were held today in Sulphur. The 77-year-old collapsed shortly after a performance in Llano, Texas last Saturday.
Executive Director of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Mike Shepard said Sonnier died doing what he loved.
"Jo-EL’s death on stage after a successful encore is actually the only way a musician should go out," said Shepard.
Sonnier was born in Rayne, Louisiana in 1946. As a child, he was diagnosed with autism. Shepard said as a way to cope, his physician told him to learn to play an instrument. Shepard said Sonnier's doctors agreed with his choice of the accordion.
"It will challenge you; it will make your mind work. And he thanked God every day that happened," said Shepard.
During his musical career, Sonnier was honored with numerous accolades, including a Grammy in 2015, an ACM Male Vocalist of the Year nomination and he was inducted into seven Music Hall of Fames. Shepard said the recognition for doing what he loved was extremely meaningful to Sonnier.
"He loved the idea of being honored for his music, being honored for what he loved to do, pure as his heart," said Shepard.
In addition to playing all over the world, Sonnier was a studio musician on more than 100 albums including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, and Merle Haggard. He also wrote songs for George Strait and fellow Louisianian Jerry Lee Lewis.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to AutismSpeaks.org.