ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY) -- St. Martinville City Hall hosted a celebration Thursday of the life and work of 73-year-old Donna Angelle.

Angelle has played zydeco music for over 40 years. She also traveled with her group, Donna Angelle and the Zydeco Posse, around Louisiana, and as far away as Africa and Europe. Her legacy and dedication to zydeco music has some people calling her a legend.

"When they first started saying 'She's a legend,' I'm like, 'Okay, if you say so,'" Angelle said. "But then I felt more and more getting into it and it was a blessing."

Angelle was recognized for her induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, receiving commendations from Governor Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins and receiving keys to the city of Saint Martinville and the Village of Parks.

Angelle said it's been difficult at times being a woman in a male-dominated genre, but she has never let those critics stop her from achieving her dream. She says she hopes to inspire other women to enter the industry.

"I'm not going to stop until they start getting respect for the ladies that's playing in music and Zydeco," Angelle said. "Give us a chance, that's all we ask, and that's what I'm shooting for."

Asked if she plans to retire any time soon, Angelle says she wants to keep playing as long as possible.

"I want to travel a little more," she said. "I want to play for our people at home, Louisiana, Lafayette, places like that. I'm pretty good, I'm 73 and still going at it, so I'm getting ready to work on this next CD and I'm excited about it."

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