I played one tonight as a matter of fact. The only white people besides Dean and me were part of the staff, and maybe 4 or 5 residents out of 120 or so. I don't believe color has anything at all to do with it. Use a lively rhythm they can dance or clap to, or a melody they remember.
Down here we can play Cajun songs and they respond very well. Dean's fiddle helps that a lot. Jambalaya, Big Mamou, You Never Can Tell, etc. They also liked Suzie Q, Jingle Bell Rock, Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Blue Suede Shoes, Kansas City--all the old staple R n R songs. I did a medley of Hank Williams songs, and the audience sang along and seemed to know every word.
We finished with I'll Fly Away and went right into our closing instrumental of Orange Blossom Special. We play it at 160 bpm and feature the fiddle. Those old people will sleep good tonight!
DonM