Watch Wayne Toups in Vintage 1996 Performance and Interview

Lafayette’s own Wayne Toups, the legendary Grammy-award-winning Cajun Zydeco musician, recently treated fans to a delightful blast from the past. On his official YouTube channel, Toups shared a clip from his 1996 appearance on the popular show "Nashville Now," where he and his band brought their signature “ZyDeCajun” sound to the national stage.

The video showcases Toups performing his hit ballad "Take My Hand," a departure from his usual high-energy tracks but still an iconic ballad that still brings fans to the dancefloor for a bit of belly rubbing. Watching Toups deliver a passionate performance, sporting his signature mullet at that time—a style that seems to be making a comeback—feels like a trip down memory lane. It’s a reminder of when Toups was at the height of his illustrious career, delivering impressive performances for audiences nationwide with his unique blend of Cajun and Zydeco music.

In another clip shared on his page, we are treated to an incredible interview segment in which Toups sits down with the show’s host, Katie Haas, alongside his longtime friend and fellow Louisiana native, Sammy Kershaw. The camaraderie between Toups and Kershaw feels like home, especially when Kershaw jokingly warns Toups "not to cuss" on air.

During the interview, Toups recounts how he and Kershaw first crossed paths. Toups initially recalls meeting Kershaw at Cowboys in Lafayette, where he would occasionally sit in with him. However, Kershaw corrects the story, reminding Toups that they met much earlier while recording in Crowley, where Kershaw confessed he was a big fan of Toups. The exchange is filled with mutual respect and admiration, with Kershaw going so far as to call Toups one of the best entertainers he’d ever seen—a compliment that brought a familiar smile to Toups’ face, one that his fans still know and love.

The interview also allowed Toups to explain the origins of his “ZyDeCajun” style, a term he coined to describe his unique fusion of Zydeco and Cajun music. He explained that while Zydeco is more rooted in Creole and rhythm & blues influences, Cajun music, which both he and Kershaw grew up with in their respective hometowns of Crowley and Kaplan, is more folk-oriented. Toups even gave a shout-out to Community Coffee during the chat, a nod to his Louisiana roots that resonated with viewers back home.

These throwback clips certainly highlight Wayne Toups's talent and charisma but also serve as a reminder of how good we have it when it comes to the rich musical heritage of Acadiana. Both Toups and Kershaw continue to perform and entertain to this day, and these vintage videos are a must-watch for fans who appreciate both artists and the deep roots of Louisiana music.

For those who want to relive more nostalgic moments like this, check out more videos on Wayne Toups’ YouTube channel.