08/17/2026
Stutes added among
Rayne music honorees
RAYNE - Another Rayne musician was added to the music room at the Bernard-Bertrand House/Rayne Cultural Center on Friday, July 31.
Welcomed by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, Milton Stutes was added to the growing list of musicians of Rayne.
The theater room of the Bernard-Bertrand House was filled with family members and friends for the official announcement and when the musician’s life’s journey with music was told.
He was presented a special bio to be added to a special display in the music room of the Bernard-Bertrand House in his honor.
Stutes also participated in a question and answer session, at which time he shared stories of his musical adventures, in addition to taking requests of both singing favorite songs and making his harmonica “sing”.
Stutes is an Acadiana/Cajun accordionist, vocalist, and better known for his harmonica skills.
Stutes was born in Rayne in 1941, and began his musical career as a child when he hand-made crude harmonica out of a comb and cigarette paper. He later received his first harmonica at age eight when his mother purchased one for only 50 cents at a local 5 & 10 Store -- that is when he began honing his craft on songs such as “Get Along Home, Cindy” and “I Wish I Was an Apple Hanging on a Tree.”
He began playing the accordion 1976, later in life when an accident damaged his hands. He is known locally for his accordion skills and helping many young musicians fine tune their talents. He played for the first three years when the Quarterpole Show opened near Rayne, playing every other weekend on a rotating basis with Zydecajun musician/singer Wayne Toups.
He also hosted a “Jam Session” for four years at the American Legion Home in Rayne, provided entertainment at the Scott Bingo House for years, and also joined the band during a couple of cruises he and his wife attended playing Cajun and Blues tunes with the house band.
Where he made his mark with his harmonica was in Hermann, Missouri, where he played for years with guitarist Jim Gaspard (The Cajun Twosome). Fans described Stutes as a musician who could “make the harmonica talk Cajun French” when he entertained folks at the Stone Hill Winery during the annual “Cajun Concert on the Hill.”
The popular performer of both French and English tunes was also highlighted with a picture and story of his talents in the St. Louis “Folk Fire” magazine.
Stutes also wrote a song for his wife of 67 years, Mary, entitled, “A Walking Piece Of Heaven,” one that tugs at your heart.
Visitors can hear this and other songs, and also watch performances by Stutes on YouTube at Milton Stutes Library.
Workd is continuing to highlight Rayne musicians by the Rayne Historic Preservation Commission, with more to come.
