Ivy was born on August 23, 1948, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He is married to the former Patsy Hebert. They have two children, Timothy and Tammy; both are musicians. Ivy comes from a long history of musicians. His father, Paul Dugas (deceased), was a versatile musician who played various instruments.

Ivy has been playing Cajun music for 37 years. He began playing in a band at the age of 12. On the bandstand, he has played a wide variety of instruments including drums, guitar, fiddle, steel guitar and bass guitar.

He’s quick to say his musical ability is inherited, yet he has reinforced that inheritance with many hours of practice. While learning to play musical instruments, it was common for him to fall asleep with an instrument in his hands. He never took lessons to learn to play. He simply went to a pawnshop, bought it, went home and practiced long hours until he learned to play it.

He started his career when he learned to play drums by improvising a set from a suitcase, a pot, and a hammer used for a foot pedal.

The bands he has played with include Joe Cormier Band, Joe Bonsall and the Orange Playboys, Andrew Cormier and the Rambling Aces, Phil Menard and the Louisiana Travelers, Sheryl Cormier and Cajun Sounds, and Jackie Caillier and Cajun Cousins.

Ivy is best known as a vocalist and songwriter. In fact he has written most of the songs he has recorded. "Mama’s Waltz", " The Heritage Waltz", and "the Gravel Road" are but a few of the many lyrics he has authored. Song writing has always been a big part of his life.

He has been honored with several awards including the Heritage Award from the Cajun French Music Association Lafayette, Louisiana, the People’s Choice Award from the Texas Longhorn Club, the Hall of Fame Award from the Cajun French Music Association, Lake Charles, Louisiana Chapter, and the Wall of Fame Award from Fred’s Lounge, Mamou, Louisiana. In August 1997 he was voted Best Male Vocalist of the year, along with Song of the Year, being "The Gravel Road" in which he also received a Grammy Nomination, song Writer of the Year, and was a member of the Cajun Cousins group who won Band of the Year and Best CD of the year. He was one of three recipients who was chosen for the Pioneer Award given for 1997.

He credits God most of all for his musical ability and talent, gives thanks to his family for their understanding, to many musicians for their help, and to his friends, listeners, and followers for their support.