Swamp Pop Legend Rod Bernard Died Sunday July 12, 2020 Swamp Pop music legend and long time broadcaster Rod Bernard died Sunday in New Iberia after a short (Non Covid) illness. He was 79 years old. Rod Bernard was a native of Opelousas. At eight years old, he got his first guitar and around 1950, he began performing with the "The Blue Room Gang" over KSLO in Opelousas sponsored by Dezauche Feed Store. In 1957, he formed a rock n roll band called "The Twisters" and recorded two singles for the Carl label. In 1959, he recorded "The Should Go on Forever" for Floyd Soileau's "Jin Records". It became a national hit. He appeared on many national shows including Alan Freed Show and American Bandstand. He also toured with greats like Jerry Lee Lewis and Chuck Berry. In the early 60's Rod recorded for the Hall-Way record label in Beaumont, Texas for Bill Hall. He recorded favorites like "Colinda". Rod Bernard served his country in the Marine Corps. After his hitch was over, he formed a band called "The Shondells" with Warren Storm and Skip Stewart, The band recorded for La Louisianne Records and hosted a dance show on TV 10 "The Saturday Hop". Rod's broadcasting career included a long stint with KVOL in Lafayette. He later moved to KLFY TV 10 where he was a sales account representative and host of Meet Your Neighbor. He continued to perform at special events including the annual Swamp Pop Reunion Dance in Ville Platte for many years and at fairs and festivals. He visited KVPI often and we did several interviews through the years. KVPI plans to spotlight Rod's music this Friday and play back one of his early interviews.