This collection consists of digital audio recordings of radio program transcriptions and accompanying reference materials for two programs created and produced by musician and producer, Jerry Embree: “The Creole Gumbo Radio Show” (1992 and 1993) and “South to Louisiana! A Cajun and Zydeco Music Show, Hosted by Michael Doucet” (1995 and 1996). The audio materials include original production and broadcast recordings on digital audio tape, and digital preservation transfers and access copies for research and archival purposes. Additional materials and formats in the collection include program episode log sheets and program data catalogs. Jerry Embree received Grammy Foundation grant support for preservation projects for both radio program series. The Cajun and Creole Music Collection of Edith Garland Dupré Library, University of Louisiana at Lafayette was a participating partner in these projects. After completion of the projects, original and preservation project materials of both radio programs were donated to the Library by Jerry Embree.

“The Creole Gumbo Radio Show,” a weekly radio series featuring Louisiana music and musical artist interviews was distributed independently on the National Public Radio satellite network from July 7th, 1992 through December 14th, 1993. Jerry Embree created and produced the program episodes at Ultrasonic Studios in New Orleans and KSLU-FM radio station in Hammond, Louisiana in 1992 and 1993. The series was distributed via satellite leasing from the National Public Radio (NPR) public broadcasting network. Jerry Embree (also using the moniker “Mista Twista”) hosted most of the programs in the series. Early episodes were hosted by Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, a New Orleans musician, national park ranger, and ichthyologist. Later programs were co-hosted by Embree and Haydee Lafaye Ellis, a New Orleans area musician, painter, and cookbook author. “The Creole Gumbo Radio Show” includes music and interviews with Cajun, Creole, zydeco, swamp pop, blues, and rhythm and blues musicians of south Louisiana and New Orleans jazz, funk, and rhythm and blues musicians. Each of the 67 episodes includes a playlist of musical selections, a featured musical artist or theme, and a featured artist interview segment conducted by Embree or other interviewers.

“South to Louisiana! A Cajun and Zydeco Music Show, Hosted by Michael Doucet,” a weekly radio series featuring Louisiana music, musical artist interviews, and chefs’ recipes was distributed nationally on the National Public Radio satellite network from October 1995 through June 1996. The show was co-produced by Jerry Embree and Haydée Lafaye Ellis at Red Bluff Studio in Covington, Louisiana and KSLU-FM radio station in Hammond, Louisiana in 1995 and 1996. The “South to Louisiana!” program includes music and interviews with Cajun, Creole, zydeco, and swamp pop musicians along with interviews and recipes from south Louisiana chefs and culinary artists. Each of the 29 episodes includes a playlist of musical selections, a featured musical artist, a featured chef or culinary artist, and interviews. Culinary interviews were conducted by Haydee Lafaye Ellis. Musician interviews were conducted by Jerry Embree or other interviewers.