LAFAYETTE La. (KLFY) — Members of the community are mourning the death of Lafayette native, and Zydeco legend, Lynn August.

August lost his eyesight at an early age, but his love for creole musical culture inspired him to become a musician. By age 11 August was playing drums and later learned to play piano, accordion and use his voice in the world of blues, gospel and zydeco. August started his own band in 1980.

With August having a background in multiple genres of music and a legacy that speaks for itself, Rod Sias of the Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society feels there can truly only be one Lynn August.

“Lynn was a powerful man,” Sais said. “We dubbed him the most powerful voice in the Zydeco nation.”

Touring the world throughout his career, August would also enjoy teaching the next generation of Zydeco musicians all the lessons he learned from fellow greats like Clifton Chenier and Esquerita.

“He was a mentor to younger musicians and collaborating with them and encouraging these young musicians to learn the traditional ways but not limiting them,” said Sias.

Funeral arrangements will take place on Feb. 22, but with August’s music still playing on speakers around the world following his passing, the memory of this local legend will continue to live on.

“He’s the legendary Lynn August,” said Sias. “As a preservation society we really learned a lot from him. So, we’re really sad that he’s passed and we’re really going to miss him, but we’re going to continue to keep his legacy alive.”

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