Al'D Francis Fayard, Jr.

Born on February 25, 1941, Mardi Gras Day, son of Irma and Al'd Fayard, Sr., Billy was raised on Monroe St in Gretna, Louisiana. He attended McDonough 26 and Gretna Jr. High Schools.

Then around 1955-56, Billy and "Boo " Hargis, along with Tom Harvey, Bob Albrado, Jimmy Hargraves, and Yetta Burges formed, "The Belmonts." They played at "Willie's" on Whitney Avenue. When Tom, Yetta and Bob joined the service, they were replaced by Woody Valiant, Vic Foquet, Ronnie Barrosse, and Carroll Freeman, who was later replaced by Eddie Hynes and "The Fidelities" were formed. Besides playing at the V.F.W. in Westwego and "Noses" Lounge in Gretna, these guys won many battle of the bands.

In 1958, Carroll, Woody, and Billy joined Bobby Lonero's band with J.V. Papania and played for about a year at "Bob White's" in Biloxi, backing up big names as Ike Clanton and Brenda Lee. Later Billy played spot jobs with guys like C.J. Cheramie, Carroll Boudreaux, and Johnny Bonvillain.

Billy served 4 1/2 years in the army and after his discharge, he played with "The Stokes," who first recorded "Whipped Cream" written by Allen Toussaint, which later became a big hit for Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. He also spent some time in Killeen, Texas in Ike & Tina Turner's band. Billy also recorded "Yuka Chuka Tee Ta Ta" on the Tower Record label under the name of K. C Russell.

In early 1971, Billy played at the Cellar Club in Gretna with Mel Douglas, Carmen Vaccaro, and C.J. Cheramie. Then in July of 1971, Billy opened The Round Table with the "New Orleans Levee Board" whose original members were C.J. Cheramie, Sidney Snow, Barabara Galle, and Billy. Later Sidney was replaced by Danny Hebert. Also during 1973, 74 & 75 Billy and Tracey Charles were owners and general managers of the Gretna Bengals, a semi-pro football team. In 1976, Billy opened the Fat Cat Club on Gretna Boulevard.

The Celebrity Club was opened in 1988, with Billy, Danny Hebert, Walter Barrilleaux, Steve Marco, and Judy & Sheena Anderson. Then in 1991, Billy crossed the river to Bourbon Street and opened Jelly Rom's with his big band. While Al Hirt was performing upstairs, Allen Robinson, Doc Paulin, Ronnie Boudreaux, A.J. Pittman, Snakebite, Ray Shall, Steve Adams, Lenny McDaniel, Danny Hebert, and Billy, rocked downstairs.

From 1995 til the present, Billy owns and operates the Caddy Shack which is a very popular night spot. In the last few months Billy has acquired a partnership with John Giambelluca in Visko's Restaurant in Gretna; known for its great seafood dishes.

Billy still resides in Gretna with Eloise, his wife of 40 years, and they have raised four children Betty, JoAnn, Frankie, and Tony.

Born on March 30,1935, Andy and his family moved from his native Grand Isle to New Orleans when his father, who was a U.S. Coast Guard Chief, was transferred to the West End of Lake Pontchartrain. He attended Beauregard and St.Anthony Catholic School on Canal St. The family then moved to Westwego in 1942 when their home burned.

At the age of eight (8) while attending Our Lady of Prompt Succor Grammar School, Andy began his musical career. He started taking accordion lessons from The Joey Buck School of Music and was then known as "Accordion Andy." He continued playing the accordion for many years thereafter.

While attending Westwego High School, Andy sang in the Glee Club, who entertained at other high schools throughout Jefferson Parish. Andy then attended night classes at Tulane and Loyola Universities for ten years; earning a degree in Criminology. During this time, Andy also had a wife, Rose Marie, and three children: Randy, Kelly and Lynde to support. So he worked at Avondale Shipyards, Westbank Guide Newspaper, and taught the notary course at Delgado College.

He also played drums for fourteen (14) years with 3 piece country western bands, 5 piece pop and rock & roll bands, and even with a 20 piece orchestra traveling throughout Southeast Louisiana. He also gave 15 years of his talents to such worthy causes as singing on television telethons for Cerebral Palsy.

As a drummer, Andy played many years in the late George Beflamore's band, "The Stardusters" at the American Legion Hall in Westwego, between the tracks.

In the midst of his musical career, Andy has also led a very public life as an elected official for 30 years. He has served as a member of The Jefferson Parish Democratic Executive Committee, a member of the Westwego City Council, a member of the Jefferson Parish School Board, and Mayor of the City of Grand Isle. Andy has just retired from Boomtown Casino where he served as Execute Host.

Andy loves music and still includes it in everything he does. He may be fishing, cutting grass, or just about anything and he still sings and claps his hands to the beat of the music. He has proven to be one of the Westbank's proudest individuals both professionally and musically.

"Boo" Hargis was born on January 12, 1941 in Algiers, Louisiana, the eldest child of Anthony and Bernice Hargis. He has a brother, Gary, and two sisters, Darnell and Lauren.

"Boo" played tenor sax and studied under Milton Bush at Behrman High School. During his high school years around 1956-57, "Boo" started a band along with Billy Fayard called "The Belmonts" with Tom Harvey, Yetta Berges, Bob Albrado, Phillip Templet, and Kenny Wolfe. "The Belmonts" played at the original "Joy Lounge" in Gretna when "Sugarboy" Crawford was featured there. The band also played at "WIllie's" on Whitney Avenue and at "Paul's Place" in Port Sulphur, Louisiana.

"The Belmonts" disbanded when Tom Harvey and Yetta Berges joined the armed forces. It was then that "Boo" and Billy, along with Ronnie Barrosse, Carroll Freeman, Woody Valiant, and Vic Foquet formed a new band called "The Fidelities." Eddie Hynes took over for Carroll Freeman at a later date. The band was very popular, playing at "Noses Lounge" and "The Chateau," both in Gretna.

Later on, "Boo" joined "The Matadors" who played at the "Golden Room "in Gretna. He also spotted with several other bands, playing at the "Wego Inn on the Hill" and the "Old Fireman's Hall," both in Westwego. He also played many a 6 o'clockjam session at the "Blue Angel" on Bourbon Street. "Boo" has shared the bandstand with such New Orleans greats as: Stark Whiteman, Ernie K Doe, Dr. John, Joe Barry, Jerry Hall, and Rene' Netto. He has also been privileged to record with Barbara Lynn and Joey Long. "Boo" has kept in touch with his long time favorite musician buddies, Eddie Hynes, Billy Fayard, Tom Harvey, and Jerry Jumonville.

"Boo" moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1977. Along with his wife, Penny, "Boo" has lived in Fruila, Colorado since 1982 where they raised their son Drew. His eldest son, Anthony III, also lives in Fruita. "Boo" also has two (2) daughters: Connie Lynn and Grace.

He now performs in the Grand Junction area as a one-man band which he calls "We Be Jazz' N," with his sax playing, adding a keyboard and vocals. He still enjoys the old "Rock N Roll" songs and today he especially enjoys playing the sax and singing all the old great jazz standards.

"Midge" as we all know him, was born and raised in Harvey, Louisiana on September 11, 1940.

"Midge" has played drums for 38 years. During his musical career, he has played with such country greats as Connie Smith, George Jones, Charlie Walker, Carl Smith, and Web Pierce.

He spent his earlier years playing with Billy Fayard's band, Duane Schurb & The Sherbettes, The Last Round Up band, Huey Bourgeois' band at the Keyhole and Old Fireman's Hall band in Westwego. "Midge" also had the pleasure of playing with Mac Rebennac (Dr. John), C.J. "Joe Clay" Cheramie, and Johnny Bonvillain.

"Midge" carried his drums all over the Westbank. Besides playing for school dances, he played at Hank's Place, Larry's On The Hill, Fun Pavillion, Paradis Inn, Orchid Lounge, Moulin Rouge, Pecan Grove, Willy Boudreaux's Lounge, Joy Lounge, Little Fish in Boothville, Bonvillain's Lounge in Houma, and in the recording studio of Cosimo's in New Orleans.

Carol became a trumpet player early in his life, while taking lessons at the Catholic School with the Tisdale School of Music.

As a young adult, Carol worked in the laboratory for the Celotex Corporation during the day, while he played his music at night.

His talent was showcased on the radio station WJMR and every Saturday night at the local restaurant and dance club with the steel guitar player of Chief Rainwater's band.

Although at the age of 36, his life was cut short, people in the area still remember him and suggest that with his musical talent he would have eventually been recognized nationally.

Born on August 24, 1940, in Napoleonville, Louisiana and raised in Marrero, Louisiana, Carroll has been a musician for 46 years.

Carroll has played guitar, bass, and drums. In his long career as a musician he has had the pleasure of playing with bands like, "The Dynatones," "Mystics," "Billy Fayard's Band," "Duane Schurb & The Sherbettes," "Fred Wayne's Band," and "Johnny Bonvillain's Band."

He also played in many "House" bands at places like the "Old Scorpio," "The Fireman's Hall," Huey Bourgeois' "Keyhole," and "The Last Round Up."

Before there was Dr. John, Carroll played with Mac, as everybody knew him, at the Green Room on Royal Street in New Orleans.

There were also many school dances and many clubs on the East and Westbank, such as: Hank's Place, Larry's On The Hill, Fun Pavillion, Paradis Inn, Joy Lounge, Moulin Rouge, Willy Bourdreaux's Lounge, and the El Morroco on Bourbon Street.

Carroll has 8 children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild and resides in Marrero with his wife Pamela.

Known as "C.J." to those who have played music with him., during his early days, is a native of Harvey, Louisiana.

At 12 years old, C.J. Started playing on Sundays with a hillbilly band that played a lot of Hank Williams' tunes. In the mid-1950s the band got a job playing on WWEZ radio, located in the Jung Hotel, when one of the deejays, "Jolly Charlie" told him that RCA was looking for new talent for their VIK record label. After agreeing to a recording contract at the age of 17, RCA records flew "Joe Clay" as he was now known, to Houston, Texas and recorded "Duck Tail," "Sixteen Chicks," "Goodbye Goodbye," and "Slipping Out land Sneaking In." He also appeared with "Elvis " on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana. Shortly after, RCA then flew Joe Clay to New York City where he recorded "Get On The Right Track," "You Look That Good To Me," "Cracker Jack," and "Did You Mean Jelly Bean" in the studio with some of New York's best black rhythm and blues musicians. It was at this time, May of 1956, that Joe Clay appeared on the famed Ed Sullivan Show. However, Mr. Sullivan refused to let Joe play his riveting "Duck Tail," but he performed "Only You" by the Platters.

The songs were acclaimed, with critics hailing them as the epitome of hellacious rockabilly rhythm. But it wasn't enough. "Duck Tail" was released the same time as Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" but unfortunately did not do as well. Joe's early releases failed to cover significant commercial ground, partially because his manager discouraged him from performing outside the New Orleans area, and he eventually lost his contract with RCA.

For the next 15 or so years, C.J. played six nights a week in lounges on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Eventually, he began driving a school bus on weekdays and played in clubs all around the East and West bank of New Orleans on the weekends. C.J. has played a wide variety of music from country western to Top 40.

Thirty years passed when Willie Jeffrey made it his mission to find Joe Clay. Mr. Jeffrey a London business executive and self described rockabilly addict, tried for four years, through classified adds, disc jockeys, and contacts in the American music industry to locate our C.J. After finally making contact, in 1986 a European tour was arranged as well as some local appearances and the rest is history.

D.J. has been playing guitar and singing for 45 years. At the age of 14 he began playing music with recording artist, Vin Bruce at the town club, better know as the "Niche" in Golden Meadow.

Over the years, he has played with many great musicians and recording artists in the South Louisiana area such as: Joel Sonnier, Jerry Raines, Roy Luke, Larry Quinn, his brother Carroll Collins, who played drums, Joe Barry, Harry Anselmi, Jay Gisclair, LeRoy Martin, Ebdon Barrios, The Stevens Brothers with sister Evette from Thibodaux, Treater Band from Houma, and Wilson Miller and The Fugitives from Cameron, Louisiana.

D.J. has also had the pleasure of playing with such legends as: L.J. Foret, Kenny Moore, Dudley Bernard, Gene Rodrigue, Luke "Smokey" Charpentier, and W11cliff "Badoo" Guidry, who we all remember.

In 1979, he formed his own group "The Country Dee Jays," playing a variety of music. They have performed on the Westbank, Eastbank, Grand Isle, Baton Rouge, Plaquemine and Diamond, Louisiana, just to name a few areas.

D.J.'s musical ability has extended to his family. His son Roddy Collins, Sr., daughter Kelly C Benoirt, son-in-law Ricky Benoirt, Grandson Roddy Collins Jr.; are all recording artist. Not to mention the upcoming Collins generation who are: Hobbie Collins, age 7, plays drums and Brady Collins, only 20 months old, also plays drums. So the Collins family is sure to carry on their musical tradition for many years to come.

Daniel Joseph Ory played coronet in the Westwego High School Band. His high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Elline Curralt Oly, was the first female majorette for Westwego High School. Daniel continued playing music for the LSU Tiger Marching Band while he attended LSU during 1940 and 1941; prior to his service in WWII.

When his oldest daughter, Susan Ory Partain Williams, was a "brownie," he would entertain the brownie troupe with songs on his ukulele. With Dan on the ukulele and his brother Tom on banjo, there were numerous entertaining family gatherings. Dan would wake up many a slumber- party that two daughters, Susan and Lynne, would have by playing reveille on his coronet.

Dan Ory was one of the original members of the Knights of Columbus Dixieland Jazz band called "The Kool Knights." This band was formed in the early 60's and competed yearly and won many Knights of Columbus talent contests. Along with the "The Kool Knights," Dan was also a member of the "Over The Hill Gang" which included three of this years inductees: Lenny Abadie, "Speedy" Courteaux, and Wilbert Guidry, and two of last years inductees: the Palmisano brothers Jimmy, and Dino. These two bands performed at the Senior Ball at Wynhoven Home, along with many other community events. They never accepted money for any of their performances although many did try to hire them. The bands always remained true to their decision to only play for free at local events.

Dan Ory shared his musical talents with friends and family throughout his entire life and embodied the familiar phrase, "Let the Good Times Roll."

Daughters: Susan Ory Partain Williams and Lynne Ory Blythe.

“Bootsie" was born on February 27, 1937 and raised in New Orleans. His nickname was given to him by his aunt which he is known by till today.

As a 'fildgety' 10 year old, attending Our Lady of Lourdes School, his teacher, Sister Gerard suggested to his mother that he take up music. So his mother went to Werlien's and rented a trumpet. He tried but couldn't get any sound out of it, so "Bootsie" started playing drums. At the age of 12, he auditioned and was selected drummer for the VFW. Two years later he was lead drummer out of 8 other drummers.

In the mid 50's, "Bootsie" met and took lessons from "Tanoot," Fats Domino's drummer. But his favorite drummer to this day is Charles "Honey Boy" Otis. In 1959, while playing a Sunday evening jam session at Pat O'Brien's, a young 17 year old Mac Rebenack, aka Dr. John, came in and played guitar. After that gig, Mac asked "Bootsie" to join his band, "The Skyliners" who featured Roland Stone and Ronnie Barrousse.

In 1960, "Bootsie" and Mac went to the "Gold Room" and played with the "Matadors." After this, he joined Joe Carl's band at the Old Scorpio with Bobby Tassin, Emile Guess, Eddie Hynes, Tony Majorie, and Dennis Palmisano. Next, he joined Duane Schurb's band and played in Houma at the Belvedere, the Raven in Boutte, and many clubs on the Westbank like The Round Table, The Moulin Rouge, the Cellar Club, and The Suburban Club. "Bootsie " has also played with "Earl Stanley & The Stereos," "The Eddie Powers Band," and "The Plastic Blues Band."

"Bootsie" retired his drumsticks several years ago, but still enjoys sitting in every chance he can. "Bootsie" and his wife Diane have raised 5 boys and now reside in Waggaman, Louisiana.

Don Gautreaux was born November 29, 1928 at 548 Victory Drive in Westwego to Lou and Rose Gautreaux.

In the 1940's, Don studied the saxophone under his father, who was a private music teacher and band director for the "Celotex Marching & Military Band" during WWII. He also played with his father's dance band at the WEGO INN, the KEYHOLE, ROSE ROOM, JITTERBUG INN, the MOULIN ROUGE, and the club MIDWAY. In 1948, he enlisted in the Army and played in the Army band with such greats as Pete Fountain, Frank and Freddie Assunto; who later formed the "Dukes of Dixieland." He also worked with Herb Tassin from Westwego, who later was the band director for the Blue Room of the Rosevelt Hotel. In this same group was the drummer, Sid Noele, who later changed his name to "Morgus, the Magnificent."

In the 50's Don formed his own group called the "Penguins" with George Mumphrey, Paul Schulty, Hal Hunn, J.C. Childress, who played 1/2 hour radio shows on WJBW, with DJ Jerry "Hound Dog" Clark and recorded their first record in 1956, "Houndog Blues" and "Back Room." Don also spotted with famed Frankie Ford from Gretna.

During the 60's, the band, consisting of: Elwin Crews, Ron Schmalty, Dallas Newsom, and Don's son, Don Lee Gautreaux, took the name "Chiffons" from a private club in Chalmette named the "Chiffon Room." They also played at Gennaro's Lounge and at "Club Sands" on Jefferson Highway with such greats as Mac Rebenack, aka Dr.John.

The Chiffons played at the "Royalty Room," now known as the Say Say Lounge in Marrero, with Elwin, Don Lee, Angus Elliot, Skeeter Thomassie, and occasionally "Hector" on vocals. The original band disbanded during the mid 70's. Then Don joined a group called the "Torches" with Dennis Lopez, Louis Myers, and Gary on drums, and played at the "Congress Inn" in New Orleans East and at the "Viking's Den" in Chalmette. In the late 70's the "Torches" disbanded.

Picking up the "Chiffons" name again in the 1980's, joining Don was Jeff Lasserey C.J. Loup, Don Lee, and Floyd Porche. The band played two years at Buddy Talamo's "Robert E. Lee" and later at the "Keyhole." The "Chiffons" released their second record, "St. James Infirmary" with the flipside "Dreamboat." Don Gautreaux retired his saxophone in 1985.

Duane was born on November 19,1942; raised in Gretna and Crown Point, Louisiana. He has been in the music business for 46 years.

During his musical tenure he has been in such bands as: "Duane Schurb & the Sherbets," "The Esquires," "The Mystics," "Music, Inc.," "Duane Schurb and Friends," and "Duane & Memories." And he has sung in several clubs on the Westbank including, The Last Round Up, The Tip Top, The Orchid Lounge, The Alibi Lounge, The Moulin Rouge, My Father's Junk Yard, The Old Scorpio, Hank's in Bridge City, The Welcome Inn in Raceland, Club Belvedere in Houma, and The Raven in Boutte; just to name a few.

In 1958, Duane recorded two singles, "You're A Fool" and "Rollie Pollie," which did very well locally. He wrote the title song for Ronnie Boudreaux's CD named, "I Wrote This Song For You" along with other originals: "You Hurt Me Baby," "I've Learned A Thing Or Two," and "What Am I Gonna Do."

Known to some as the, "Godfather of Swamp Pop," Warren Storm of Lafayette, Louisiana, has also recorded some of Duane's songs, which include: "I've Lost Everything," "What's The Reason You're Leavin," "What's New With You Today," and "Actions Speak Louder Than Words."

In recent years Duane has gained regional recognition for his song writing in the Swamp Pop Music Category. But what is Swamp Pop but a little country, rock & roll, and a little 50's doo wop. And Duane has surely blended all these flavors together into his musical gumbo.

In 2002, his first CD, "Duane Schurb and Friends" was released, followed by, "Try Me One More Time" in 2003. In these two CDs there are many requested songs written by Duane that are played on local radio stations like KLRZ in Larose, KAGY in Port Sulphur, KBON in Eunice, KCIL in Houma, WYPI in Baton Rouge, KQKI in Morgan City, and WWOZ in New Orleans. Duane also teamed up with a young and very talented swamp pop musician named Aaron Foret, from Westwego, Louisiana and in 2004 released a CD entitled, "Two Generations of Swamp Pop."

In 1961 Duane married Janelle Miller and raised 4 children, 2 boys: Duane Jr. and Shane, 2 girls: Terry and Brandi. The couple now resides in Marrero.

Earl was born on October 1st, 1927 in the town of Cottonport, Louisiana. Earl's family moved to New Orleans when he was seven (7) years old.

He taught himself to play guitar by listening to the radio. At the age of 15, his friend Irving Tuttle, put together a country band, with Earl playing guitar and played on weekends at dance halls all around Louisiana.

In 1945, Earl got his first steel guitar and again taught himself how to play it by ear. In 1969, Shot Jackson gave him his first "Sho Bud" steel guitar. Through the years Earl had many steel guitars but this one remained his pride and joy.

Earl had many offers to go on the road with many different country performers, but chose to stay home with his wife Bertha, 5 children, and many friends he'd played music with for so many years.

From the early 70's till Earl's passing on December 30, 1999, Earl played around the Westbank at the Old Scorpio, Old Fireman's Hall, and Buddy Talamo's Robert E. Lee, just to name a few.

He was very well loved and a great talent and is missed by all.

Eddie Hynes was born on April 8, 1933, in Algiers, to Curtis and Edna Hynes. After leaving Behrman High School somewhere in the 50's, Eddie went "Big Time" playing strip shows on Bourbon Street; where some of the best musicians "wailed."

Eddie joined a group called, "The Continentals" headed by Charlie May who played tenor sax, along with Hilton Falgoust on bass, Mr.Peepers on piano, and Reed "Rhythm Machine" Vaughn on drums. The band played six (6) nights a week at a club called "The Bellevue" on Elysian Fields in New Orleans.

In the late 50's Eddie played with "The Fidelities" replacing trombone player Carroll Freeman, along with Billy Fayard, "Boo" Hargis, Woody Valiant, Vic Foquet, Jr., and Ronnie Barrousse.

A few years later, Eddie got a call from a slow-talking, fast-thinking, swinger named Mac Rebennack. Mac put Eddie in recording sessions with Lee Allen and Red Tyler backing up such greats as Jimmy Clanton, Ike Clanton, Johnny Adams, Jerry Byrns, Professor Longhair, just to name a few. As we all know, Mac is Dr. John, and Eddie is still Eddie Hynes.

In the early 60's, "Boo" Hargis and Eddie ended up with Joe Carl's band named, "The Loafers" which included Bob Tassin, Nolan Adieu, Hank LaBond, and C.J. Cheramie. They played in Morgan City at "Lounge Maurice." "Boo" and Eddie also worked with "The Matadors" headed by Lamar Bourgeois, at "The Golden Room" on Monroe St. in Gretna.

Enter Buck Baker, leader of "The Esquires" with whom Eddie played with for eighteen (18) years. The two of them created the most diversified repertoire of any band around. After tearing both rotator cuffs in his shoulders, which caused him excruciating pain, Eddie retired his trombone.

On April 16,2002, Eddie picked up his trombone again, and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame with "The Esquires."

Eddie would like to thank all of the "studs" he had the opportunity to play with; his sister, Katherine Parker, for buying his first trombone; his mother Edna, his wife Pat; daughter April; and sons, Tom, and Ed Jr., for their support over the years. A special thanks to Buck Baker who encouraged him to pick up the trombone again, and for the brotherhood that was formed between us and the members of "The Esquires."

Eddie was born on July 27, 1944 and raised in Westwego, Louisiana until December of 1994 when he moved to Harvey, Louisiana.

He attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic School in Westwego and Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He received a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from Louisiana State University in 1967. Eddie was employed with the State Juvenile Probation and Parole Department from 1968 until his retirement in 2002.

Eddie was the lead vocalist for "The Deacons," "The Velvet Touch Quintet," and "The Velvet Touch," respectively from 1963 till 1973.

He directed church choirs at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church and Marrero Assembly of God in the 1970's and 1980's.

For the last thirty (30) years, Eddie has been writing and singing gospel music with his wife, Margie. Eddie and Margie have been ordained ministers since 1996.

Eddie and Margie Parrino have two (2) sons, one (1) daughter, one (1) granddaughter, and two (2) great-grandchildren.

Ricky was born on October 30, 1947 in Algiers, Louisiana. At the age of 7, his family moved to Westwego, Louisiana. At that time, Ricky played trumpet in the band at Westwego Jr. High under the direction of Mr. Harold Peterson. Then he studied the saxophone with Mr. Lee Bennett at West Jefferson High School. During this time, his cousin and idol, "Boo" Hargis played with "The Matadors" at the "Golden Room" in Gretna. "Boo" would sneak him in to listen to such guys as Mac Rebenac (Dr. John), Eddie Hynes, Freddie Stahle, and Everett Link; who were some of the best musicians around. His first band was with Joe Giaise and a guy who became one of his best friends until his death, Mr. Nicky Baudean. Ricky's first paying job was at the Canal Bank Inn with Gary Danos, Mark Joslen, and Donald Miller. At the end of his junior year, he joined "The Deacons" with Eddie Perino, Richard Pitre, Ronald Galle, Carroll Freeman, Lynn "Grits" Ramagos, and Johnny Thomassie. While still at West Jeff, Ricky also played with Ronnie Boudreaux and Ray Chaisson.

Then in 1966, Ricky went into the Navy and played with bands on the East & West Coast. After his discharge, he got back again with Gary Danos & "Grits." Sometime later, he played for 4 or 5 years with: Eddie Perino, Dennis Miller, Cranston Clements, Tony Ting, Jeff Fornet, and Bob Morici in "Velvet Touch."

Ricky played with several bands after that: "Affection Connection," "Sunshine," and the "Ernie Cosse Band" who backed up such performers as Ernie K Doe, Jessie Hill, John Fred, Dr. Hook, Bobby Lanero, Eddie Powers, Benny Spellman, and Irma Thomas. Then came the band, "SKOR" with Louis Carr, Ronnie Arcement, Patty Dupre, Johnny and Greg Arthur; which was also Lee Dorsey's back up band, until his death. Ricky played 12 years with Timmy Wells and the "Mo Betta" band, including Jeannie Brazelle, Daryl Prector, and later Paul Walthers and Paul Garity. While playing with the band "Sweet Perfection," Ricky did his first CD as a solo artist.

Occasionally Ricky has played with such swamp pop bands as: "Jr. & the Swamp Pop Players," "Don Rich Band," "Jake & The Nifty Fifties," "Wayne Foret & The Rockin'50," "The Foret Tradition," and "Aaron Foret's Swamp Pop Band."

Presently, Ricky has teamed up with his dear friend, the very talented keyboard player, Ray Shall, and hopes to continue this enjoyable venture.

Born on May 7, 1917, in Marrero, Emile Hourcade was raised on Shorthorn dairy farm, owned by his father Jacque' Hourcade, located on land which is now Barataria and Lapalco Boulevards. The family home was where the Iberia Bank on Barataria Boulevard is now and the land is still recorded as "Hourcade Subdivision."

Emile was best known for his love of music and heartfelt devotion to entertaining kids of all ages. During his younger days he played trumpet and loved to sit in with different bands at local church fairs. He would dress in his clown costume and work and entertain for the fairs at Our Lady of Visitation and Our Lady of Prompt Succor. He and Gertrude, his wife of over 50 years, would go dancing at the Old Fireman's Hall and Larry's on the Hill in Westwego, where he would join in with the bands playing his trumpet. Emile carried his horn with him always. It was during his many years with Barbe's Dairy, in Westwego, that he would dress up as a clown, carrying his trumpet, and ride with "Betsy" the cow in parades. "Betsy" and Emile would parade thru the neighborhoods handing out candy to the children. No matter what occasion or holiday, whether it be Easter or Christmas time, Emile would be Peter Rabbit or Santa Claus entertaining anywhere he could.

Not confining his jokes and antics only to the neighborhoods, he dressed in his costumes, took his trumpet and his cheerful personality to Children's Hospital and other local hospitals to bring smiles to the faces of the little patients. He also brought smiles to elderly residents at Wynhoven and other nursing homes in the area.

Being blessed with the loving, giving, and jovial personality he possessed, Emile Hourcade, Sr. will be remembered for the many happy faces he created in the young and old alike.

Ray Barry was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 6,1941. After graduating from Warren Easton High School, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany. It was there that he had his first opportunity to play in a band. The band was called "The Sparks." His love for music was a dominating and driving force in his life. He wrote charts and played many instruments including the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, flute, drums, and alto and baritone sax. When his tour of duty was complete, Ray returned to the United States with his new wife; they resided in Avondale and had four (4) children.

Over the years, Ray had played with several bands such as, "The Majestic" with Walter Floyd, "The Dominos" with Billy Bell, "The Contours," Art Sevin, Eddie Powers, Wayne Foret, and "Jake & the Nifty Fifties."

George was a lover of music. He played music for over 60 years. George and his father Sylvester, sang in the church choir when he was 12 years old which began his lifetime of passion for music. George sang in numerous churches during his childhood.

He learned how to read music while attending Jesuit High School. After graduating from Loyola University, he started a band called "The Stardusters." The band traveled around Louisiana for about 12 years; playing on weekends at dance halls, weddings, etc.

After retiring from Avondale Shipyards, George sang in a band named "The Over The Hill Gang" which played "free" for most of the senior citizens'parties.

His mastery of the Saxophone, Clarinet, Organ, Guitar and Keyboard is a testament of his accomplishments in music; which clearly was his passion.

Hector was born on January 13, 1947, to Juan and Ruth Nieves in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. After his family moved to the United States, he began singing in the choir at St. Alphonsus School in New Orleans. While attending Redemptorist High School, he became the lead singer for a band called, "Flexibles."

At the age of 16, he began singing five (5) nights a week on Bourbon Street entertaining tourists from all over the world. Hector became a prominent figure in New Orleans and the Westbank entertainment field. Some of the bands he sang with were: Roger & The Gypsies, who recorded, "Pass the Hatchet" became #1 in New Orleans, The Roulettes, The Ravin' Mads, Paper Steamboat, Indian Fire, Wild Honey, for which he is best remembered, Summer Breeze, The Cruisers, The Spades, and The Alley Cats.

In 1969 Hector turned down a RCA recording contract to enter into the police academy. Law enforcement was his second love. Throughout his law enforcement career, he continued to sing on his days off.

In 1980, Hector was awarded the title of Mr. New Orleans. And has retired from the New Orleans Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.

Hector has been married to Stacy Combel for the last 8 years. He has four (4) children and seven (7) grandchildren and resides in Marrero, Louisiana.

Finally, Hector gives credit to Earl Stanley who taught him to play the bass guitar at the age of eighteen (18). And he is still playing bass with his new group called, "Rue Garue" with Ronnie Boudreaux and Johnny Scurlock.