Jo-El was born in Rayne, Louisiana he was raised in a Cajun atmosphere which is in an obvious influence on his versatile musician, in addition to his virtuosity as an accordion player he also plays bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, and harmonica.

Jo-El has become a much sought-after session player.  He has lent his talent to a wide array of country stars including Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Hank Willliams, Jr., Paul Overstreet, Sammy Kershaw and Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman. Most recently Jo-El's accordion can be heard on the recent Alan Jackson hit "Tall Tall Tree's, and on Neil Diamond's "Tennessee Moon" album.

Beginning in 1993, Jo-El has been touring in Europe to support his CFMA (Cajun French Music Association) 1995 awards "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Song of the Year".Also Jo-El was voted top # 5 artist by the French premier radio station in 95' along with Garth Brooks.

Presently Jo-El is focusing on a new album project for Rounder Records, as well as a Cajun project for K-Tel International, the first ever duet project of Cajun music.  The album includes 14 songs; 4 duets and 5 songs by Jo-El including his big hits "Tear Stained Letter", plus 5 of Eddy Raven's favorite hits.  The focus of the album is Louisiana Cajun music, including classics such as: Jambalaya, Jolie Blonde, Fais-do-do, etc.  K-Tel International, after researching and testing response to the project, determined that this project possesed incredible potential. Consequently K-Ttel International are developing plans to embark on an unprecedented marketing campaign.  The campaign will include the production of video's and promotion targeting radio.  In the entire history of K-Tel International, a household name, they have never pursued a campaign this aggressively.  This album was co-produced by Sonnier and Raven, with Jack Jackson coordinating the project as Executive Producer.

* Though Jo-El is primarily focused at present on the forthcoming recording projects, he will take time out of his schedule to perform for his fans.

*  Jo-El has turned up the heat by forming a new team behind his career, including record producer, Jerry Cupit.  Working with Jerry Cupit is a positive step for Sonnier, both are originally from Louisiana, both posses a similar passion for the music, and both have a strong sense of commitment for their work.  The hot combination of Sonnier's cajun flair and Cupit's ear, potentially will create one of the hottest new sounds of the 90's.

Jo-El Sonnier's talents, passions, and commitment is a definitive tribute to his music and his fans.  The future is hot for the "King of Cajun"... Jo-El Sonnier.