"Roseland Two Step" - Floyd Leblanc

Born to a music-loving family, Cajun fiddler Floyd Leblanc's father, Lessin, played the French accordion and fiddle.  His mother, Merellia, played rhythm guitar and sang.  In the early 1930s the family moved to Cypress Point, Louisiana where Floyd and his brother, Steve, made homemade instruments and learned to play.  They began playing dances and became very popular local favorites.1  

Aujourd'hui, jolie fille, pourquoi-donc, malheureuse,

Mais, tu fais ça, jolie fille, mais, moi j'connais, ça sera trop tard.

Le lendemain, jolie fille, rappelles-toi, jolie cœur, 

Tout ça t'as fait, il y a pas longtemps, mais, moi j'connais tu fera pitié.

Viens-donc voir, jolie cœur, tout ça t'as dit, malheureuse,

Il y a pas longtemps, jolie fille, mais, moi j'connais, tu m'fais pitié. 

Joli fille, rappelles-toi, tout ça ça dit-z-à ton nèg,

Mais p(l)us jamais, jolie cœur, mais, moi j'connais, tu fais pitié.

Floyd Leblanc

During World War II, Floyd, Steve, and another brother, Sandres, joined the military.  While stationed in San Antonio, Floyd met Virgil Bozman.  Together they started a band called the “Oklahoma Tornados” and played both French and country music. After the war, the LeBlanc and Bozman met Iry LeJeune and became friends. After playing together in Houston and in local clubs, the “Oklahoma Tornado” band helped LeJeune record the “Love Bridge Waltz” and “The Evangeline Special”.1  

Recorded in 1947, the "Roseland Two Step" (#110) was Floyd's version of Varise Conner's "Lake Arthur Stomp".  Originally recorded by J.B. Fuselier back in 1937, Floyd had Virgil Bozman on guitar and B.D. Williams on bass.  Roseland is a small community west of Sulphur, Louisiana, not far from where Floyd was raised.

Today, pretty girl, so why, naughty woman,

Well, you did that, pretty girl, well, I know, it will be too late.

The next day, pretty girl, remember, pretty sweetheart,

All that you've done, there it won't be long, well, I know you will be pitiful.

Come see, pretty sweetheart, all that you've said, naughty woman,

It won't be long, pretty girl, well, I know you made me pitiful.

Pretty girl, remember, all that was told to your man,

Well, never again, pretty sweetheart, well, I know you'll be pitiful. 

LeBlanc and Bozeman later moved briefly to Nashville and played with several bands, including Ernest Tubb’s band. MGM offered to sign LeBlanc to a contract and a chance to play on the Grand Old Opry using the name “Arkansas Cotton Pickers.”  LeBlanc turned them down and soon after left Nashville to return home.1   He eventually re-recorded the song for J.D. Miller's Cajun Classics in 1967.  

1. http://library.mcneese.edu/depts/archive/SWLAMusicians/encyclokr.htm
2. Lyrics by Stephane F

Release Info:

637 (110-A) Roseland Two-Step | Opera 110-A

637 (110-B) Brow Bridge Waltz | Opera 110-B