more widespread among these groups, too. Surviving early instruments show that at first they only played chords, and were to be played left-handed, unlike now. The first accordions only had 5 buttons (10 chords), so they were mostly used for accompaniment. Early minstrel troupes toured America as early as 1843, spreading the accordion sound. The button accordion was ideal for dance music of many cultures, because one could play both the melody and accompaniment at once, and still be able to sing or tap his or her feet. The many reeds produce a louder sound, ideal for a crowded dance hall. Cultures Louisiana The button accordion arrived in Louisiana in the 1800s. It was a popular instrument with the Cajuns and the French-speaking creoles. Later, a new, higher quality version of the button accordion was made in Louisiana, which became and remained popular with Cajun and Zydeco players. The Acadian tradition of southern Louisiana influenced some, such as Huddie "Leadbelly" Leadbetter. The button accordion was especially popular among African-Americans in Louisiana from 1880 to 1910. In some regions and groups, the diatonic button accordion is known as a 'Windjammer'. Sub-Saharan Africa Starting in the 19th century, the button accordion has played a part in sub-Saharan African music. It was brought there by sailors, merchants, and settlers, and is used solo and in dance bands. Ireland The concertina, button accordion, and piano accordion are all popular in Irish traditional music. The button accordion was first available for sale in Ireland in 1831. Texas and Mexico The button accordion is very common in Tejano (Texas-Mexican) music. The two-row button accordion is very common, with some variation. Mexican norteño musicians prefer accordions with more vibrato, and Texan musicians favor less vibrato. The vibrato comes from tuning the reeds ever so slightly different from one another. Northeast Brazil The diatonic 2-row button accordion with eight bass buttons is still very common in northeast Brazil. It is known as the fole to distinguish it from the piano accordion. It first appeared there in the late nineteenth century. Previously, one-row diatonic button accordions with two bass buttons were used. Later, chromatic accordions grew in popularity, increasing the possible styles that could be played on them. Notable players Huddie "Leadbelly" Leadbetter: One of the first African-Americans to make commercial recordings on the button accordion. He was from Caddo Parish, Louisiana and made recordings of rural African-American music