Creole enthusiast and Zydeco music pioneer Luke Collins (b 1941) died on February 19, 2004 in Opelousas, Louisiana at the age of 63 after suffering a stroke a week earlier.
Creole enthusiast and Zydeco music pioneer Luke Collins (b 1941) died on February 19, 2004 in Opelousas, Louisiana at the age of 63 after suffering a stroke a week earlier. Affectionately known as "the old man in the field" and "Mr. Luke", Luke Collins is credited as the first radio personality to develop a radio program dedicated exclusively to Zydeco Music. “Mr. Luke” acquired the persona as the "old man in the field" because he served as the first master of ceremony for the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival, a position he served in until his transition in 2004.