Al Berard (1960–2014) was a Cajun musician, recording artist, and composer in addition to being considered a world-renowned cajun fiddler. Berard, influenced by the Cajun songs heard as a young child growing up in South Louisiana, began playing guitar at age eleven. As a student at Cecilia High School, his musical talents allowed him to become an active member of the school's concert band in addition to performing as lead guitarist in a local rock band which he founded. Al died February 26, 2014 in Lafayette, LA, after suffering an aneurysm the previous night.