Acadiana is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and beloved musicians. Lee Allen Zeno, known to many as “Soul,” passed away on May 3, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
According to close friend and advocate John Williams, Zeno spent his final days at home, surrounded by family, caregivers, and a community that had been lifting him up in prayer and support. Williams described his passing as peaceful, dignified, and filled with love.
In one of his final reflections, Zeno shared how he hoped to be remembered: “I just tried to be my authentic self.”
A Career That Defined The Sound Of Zydeco
Born in Lafayette and raised in Carencro, Zeno’s journey in music began at just seven years old. Over the decades, he became a cornerstone of Louisiana music, anchoring Buckwheat Zydeco’s band for nearly 40 years and contributing to Grammy-winning and Emmy-recognized projects…