He learned to play the button accordion in the style of his cousin
Amede Ardoin, who made pioneering recordings of French Creole music.
Music remained a sideline until the 1940s, when Alphonse began working
with fiddler Canray Fontenot, under the name "Duralde Ramblers". They
played at dances and parties, and on a live radio show broadcast from
Eunice.