We Speak Music

Americana Singer-Songwriter Richard Daigle Releases New Single “Cajun Getaway” — A Tribute to Spontaneity, Memory, and Louisiana Roots

Published

5 months ago

May 19, 2026

Americana artist and Louisiana native Richard Daigle is proud to release his latest single, “Cajun Getaway,” a heartfelt, roots-infused ode to spontaneous adventure and the culture that shaped him. The song was recently recognized as a semi-finalist in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition, affirming Daigle’s growing presence in the Americana songwriting landscape.

Rooted in Daigle’s Cajun heritage and inspired by childhood memories, “Cajun Getaway” captures the anticipation of a spontaneous road trip more than the destination itself. “I had the tune in mind before the lyrics,” says Daigle, “but as the writing process began, I found myself wanting to bottle that feeling of planning a last-minute escape — especially one steeped in the familiar joy of Louisiana’s rich culture.”

The track includes the evocative line:
“We’ll drive on down to the end of the world, we’ll know we’re there when we hit Grand Isle.”
For Daigle, Grand Isle isn’t just a geographic marker at the southern tip of Louisiana — it’s a touchstone from childhood, a memory of long drives to his uncle’s camp along a lonely two-lane road. “As a kid, it felt like we were driving to the edge of the earth,” he recalls.

“Cajun Getaway” joins Daigle’s earlier release “Cajun People” in celebrating Cajun culture, something that runs deep in his blood: both of his parents were Cajun, and their influence remains central to his music.

A retired writer/editor and communications specialist, Daigle is a self-described “late bloomer artist,” who released his debut CD in 2020. Now based in Chattanooga, TN, he performs across the Southeast, blending homespun stories, sly humor, and poignant reflections in a style reminiscent of John Prine, one of his greatest influences.

In fact, Daigle’s connection to Prine spans decades — from attending a packed bar show in 1977 to interviewing Prine in 1979 as a young reporter, and finally seeing him again on New Year’s Eve in 2016. That story inspired another of Daigle’s songs, “John Prine, A Friend of Mine,” which pays homage not just to Prine’s genius but to his humanity.

“Songwriting is how I process life,” Daigle shares. “I was blessed to be married for 34 years to Jan White Daigle, a beautiful soul who passed away in 2014. Since then, I’ve leaned on music — and the stories in it — to make sense of grief, joy, and everything in between.”

With “Cajun Getaway,” Daigle invites listeners on a musical road trip that’s as much about nostalgia and hope as it is about destination. It’s Americana at its most honest — unpolished, heartfelt, and deeply human.

We Speak Music

National Gospel Recording Artist Ellen Hayes Announces the Release of Her Farewell Album, Behind My Eyes

Published

3 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Olivia Long

Award-winning national gospel recording artist, songwriter, producer, arranger, and choir director Ellen Hayes proudly announces the release of her highly anticipated farewell album, Behind My Eyes—a deeply personal collection of music that reflects a lifetime of faith, perseverance, worship, and God’s unfailing grace.

For more than five decades, Hayes has devoted her life to ministry through music. From directing choirs and developing vocalists to writing, producing, and arranging songs that have inspired audiences around the world, she has faithfully answered God’s call. Behind My Eyes serves as the musical testimony of everything she has seen, endured, celebrated, and overcome.

“This album is more than a collection of songs,” says Hayes. “It is my testimony. Every lyric tells a story of God’s faithfulness through seasons of joy, heartbreak, victories, disappointments, and unwavering hope. These are the things people don’t always see—behind my eyes.”

The album features a rich blend of musical styles that have shaped Hayes’ career, including traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, hymns, soul-infused worship, and inspirational originals. Listeners will experience heartfelt renditions of timeless hymns such as Precious Lord and The Old Account, along with a moving interpretation of Thank You Lord, made famous by the late Walter Hawkins. The project also showcases powerful original compositions written by Hayes herself, including the uplifting single Count Your Blessings, which encourages listeners to focus on God’s goodness regardless of life’s challenges.

Adding to the album’s emotional depth are performances from members of Hayes’ own family, who provide background and featured vocals throughout the project. The album also honors the lasting musical contributions of beloved musicians Darryl Smith and Darryl Dixon, whose performances continue to resonate on several recordings included on the album.

Throughout her remarkable career, Ellen Hayes has released multiple recording projects, earned industry recognition, served as a songwriter for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), hosted Beats & Blessings Radio on WMKM 1440 AM, founded Songs and Melodies Records LLC, and dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring artists and strengthening communities through music and health advocacy.

Although Behind My Eyes marks Hayes’ final full-length album, she emphasizes that this is not the end of her musical ministry.

“My assignment isn’t over,” Hayes explains. “While this will be my final album, I will continue writing, producing, and releasing singles as the Lord leads. Music will always be part of my purpose.”

Behind My Eyes is both a celebration of an extraordinary musical journey and an invitation for listeners to reflect on God’s faithfulness in their own lives. Whether through joyful praise, quiet worship, or heartfelt testimony, every song reminds us that God has been present through every chapter—even the ones hidden behind our eyes.

The album will be available on all streaming platforms on October 9 2026.