Jake Raymond Chimento

Jake Chimento was born on October 22, 1948 and lived in Marrero until he was seven (7) years old, then his family moved to Keller Avenue in Westwego. It was his mother, Marie who first showed him the chords on a guitar and made him practice instead of playing baseball with his best friend and musician, Wayne Foret.

While attending West Jefferson, he and David Perez, formed their first group and played at local bars and parties in the Lafitte area. Then at the age of 20, he was drafted into the service. He served sixteen (16) months in Vietnam. When he returned home, he joined a band called "Mankind."

In 1975, Jake formed his own band, "The Nifty Fifties" which included his best friend, Wayne Foret, and Glenn Leblanc. They played in Luling at "Tiny Bubbles." Then Wayne left the group to form his own band. In 1976, Mark Bergeron, Buddy Nolan who plays with Jake till today, and Mike McGee joined the band. The band played at "The Starlight" for two (2) years, "The Keyhole" for five (5) years, and "The Fat Cat" for fifteen (15) years.

In the late 70's, saxophonist, Ray Barry joined the group and wrote the horn arrangements for an original recording titled "Tell Me Dear." Jake also recorded "Hallelujah I Love Her So," "Baby, Let Me Bang Your Box," "I Cried A Tear," "Rockin'Robin," and "Hang Up My Rock & Roll Shoes," also with Ray's horn arrangements.

In the 90's, after Ray Barry's passing, saxophonist Frank Macaluso joined and drummer, Bobby Hilton, who plays with Jake today.

Since 1988, Jake has been the "house band" for "The Good Times Jamaica Dance Club," following the club from "The Fat Cat" to "Gretna c's" to "Old Scorpio" to "The Old Fireman's Hall" and presently at "The Four Columns." He has also been the "house band" for "The Back to the 50's Jamaica Dance Club" at the "Old Scorpio" since 1998.

Through the years, "The Nifty Fifties" have played many clubs on the West and East Banks, and many private dances, parties, weddings, and cruises. He has also had the opportunity to back up many local favorites as: Johnny Adams, Frogman Henry, Tommy Ridgely, Irma Thomas, Ernie K Doe, Frankie Ford, and Jean Knight.

With the support of his father, Frank, his daughter, Stacy, and his wife Darlene, and followers, Jake remains a popular Westbank favorite today.

Jimmy Elledge was born on January 8, 1943 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mae and Presley Elledge.

In 1961 Jimmy signed with RCA Records producer Chet Atkins and in 1962 released "Funny How Times Slips Away," which up to now has sold six (6) million copies.

In 1962, Jimmy was introduced to Bourbon St in New Orleans while playing the famed "Dream Room" during the middle 60s. He also wrote songs which were recorded by the "0smonds" and good friend "Ronnie Dove." During the 70's, Jimmy played many clubs on the Westbank such as: the "Ces Si Bon," the "Travel Lodge," the "Fox & Hound," the "Golden Pagoda," and "Cabe's Corral." At that time, Jimmy also entertained in his own nightclub, the "Jimmy Elledge Club" in Gretna and released a country hit with "One by One."

From the late 70's thru the 80's and 90's, Jimmy has entertained in many spots nationally and internationally, as a piano-bar entertainer, as well with trios and quartets. Locally he has played the "Fairmont & Monteleone" hotels in New Orleans, "Holiday Inn" in Kenner, "Goodfiellas" and "Salvatores' Restaurant & Lounge," both in Metairie.

Most recently, Jimmy just completed a fourteen (14) month engagement at the "Red Maple" Restaurant in Gretna. And has just come back from a tour with Johnny Tillitson and Billy Joe Royal. Presently, Jimmy is in the studio recording a new CD, which will feature duets with his good friend, Billy Joe Royal.

Jimmy's five octave range has properly classified him as an "all 'round" entertainer, which has allowed him to perform with some well known names as: Willie Nelson, Chet Atkins, Floyd Cramer, Brenda Lee, The Osmonds, Jackie Wilson, The Temptations, Sam Cooke, and Jimmy Dean, just to name a few.

Jimmy presently lives on the Westbank in Belle Chasse and has for many years. He is actively involved in the "Helping Hands Association" and the "Annual Swamp Pop Seafood Festival" both in Plaquemine Parish. This year, 2004, is Jimmy's 45th year of singing and playing piano. He gratefully acknowledges God for all his blessings, his parents, Chet Atkins for giving him his first break, to Pat McCabe who is still there for him, and to all the fans for all these years.

Jerry Chaisson was born in Lockport, Louisiana on July 19, 1937. He started his music career in 1954. That was the year he started his first band, "The Be Bops," playing drums. Some of the guys who played in the band were: Nolan Dufrene (lead guitar), Leroy Camardelle (rhythm guitar), and Ron Besson (singer). In later years the name was changed to "The Starlights."

Jerry played in many clubs during his musical career, such as: The Houma Club, The Round House, Tarzan's, Moulin Rouge, and Hanks, to mention a few.

His band has backed up recording artists: Bobby Mitchell, The Dixie Cups, Frankie Ford, and Joe Barry.

Jerry's first set of drums were Brown Preier Slingerland.

He is married to Yvonne Pitre of Lockport and has raised four children.

Jerry Raines may be his professional name, but Rueben Bergeron was born on August 8, 1940 in Morgan City, Louisiana. In 1959, while singing with a band called, "The Rainbows," Rueben changed his name to Jerry Raines.

Jerry's signature song, "Our Teenage Love" was written while Jerry was working with his cousin's band in Bayou Dularge. The band played about two & one half (2 1/2) years at a club called Lam Bar's in Morgan City. One night Andrew Blanco, who owned a record shop in Morgan City called Modern Music, and was starting a new record label, Drew Blan, walked in the club. After hearing "Our Teenage Love," Blanco bought Jerry some studio time at 523 Gov. Nicholls St. in New Orleans. With Roy Montrell on guitar, Mac Rebennack on piano, John Beatrix on drums, Lee Allen on sax, and Big Boy Miles on trombone, Jerry recorded "Our Teenage Love" at Cosimo Madhouse's studio.

The song came out in October of 1959 and Jerry and Andrew Banco made a lot of radio stations along the Bayou: in Houma, Morgan City, Golden Meadow, White Castle, Baton Rouge, then to Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport, Dallas, and Ft. Worth. Floyd Soileau had helped him with distribution of the record. But the song really took off when the Mercury label started pushing it. WTIX and WNOE in New Orleans had it on their play list; which got Jerry on the Christmas show at the Municipal Auditorium, with such greats as Bo Diddley, Bobby 'Blue' Bland, Brenda Lee, Johnny Preston, Rod Bernard, Jivin' Gene, and Jimmy Clanton.

During 1960, Jerry's back at Cosimos recording "Just Another Fool," "Crazy Over You," and "What Have I Done." Being in New Orleans allowed Jerry to meet artists like: "Sugarboy" Crawford, Tommy Ridgely, Esquerita, Professer Longhair, Eddie Bo, and Bobby Mitchell.

Then in 1961, when Joe Barry went on tour with "I'm A Fool To Care," Jerry took over vocals with Roland Stone, with The Vikings, lead by Leroy Martin. It was during this time with The Vikings that Jerry and Joe Carl would go to the club El Morocco and to The Sands, where it was not unusual to jam with people like Jessie Hill and Mac till 5 or 6 o'clock in the morning. Jerry also played at The Welcome Inn in Raceland, the Club Rondevous, Bridgeside Inn and dances at Marrero Jr. High SchooL

With the popularity of "Swamp Pop" Music, Jerry has been busy singing at festivals, fairs, and music festivals all over Southeast Louisiana.

Jules was born on January 28, 1938 in a village named Bayou Jacque in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, where he grew up working on a cotton farm with his father.

He started playing music at the age of 15. He played at house parties and local lounges in the area.

Then at the age of 18 he moved to New Orleans where he worked in grocery stores.

Jules married at the age of 20 and had 3 children; 2 boys and I girl. He began playing music jobs, starting at the Four Palms, the Plantation Lounge in Metairie, and Little Donna's in Kenner.

In 1970, he moved his family to the Westbank and started playing music at the Starlight Lounge on the Westbank Expressway. He also played at the Keyhole and the Old Scorpio; both on 4th Street in Westwego.

In 1972, Jules started playing at the Moulin Rouge on 4th Street in Marrero and played there 4 nights a week until 1985.

After that, he played at Old Fireman's Hall on 4th Street in Westwego and is still playing there at the present time.

He has released a CD, which has country and cajun songs, some of which were written by Jules.

Jules now resides in Avondale with his wife Joyce.

Lenny was born on January 14, 1934 in New Orleans and lived with his mother and father, who was a commercial fisherman at Lake Salvador. When he reached school age, the family moved to Laroussini Street in Westwego. Lenny graduated from Westwego High School in 1953. That same year he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served 4 years til 1957.

Lenny was employed by many different companies, but also attended night classes at Delgado College where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. Then as an electrician, he retired in the year 2000 as Chief Electrical Inspector for Jefferson Parish.

After purchasing a computer, Lenny provided a data base for the senior citizens of Westwego, where he could receive information on upcoming events and would send out invitations for each party. Then he purchased sound equipment and formed the "Over The Hill Gang," who played good music for the seniors at those parties. He also doubled as the MC for most of the functions. Some of the band members would also play for the shut-in's at nursing homes. There was never any charge to play for the senior citizens.

Lenny served for eight (8) years as Chairman of the Westwego Committee on Aging and two (2) years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Parish Council on Aging. It was during Lenny's tenure as Chairman of the Committee on Aging and a member of the "Over The Hill Gang," that the city of Westwego and the Council was awarded the State of Louisiana's first Vision Award in 1987; which now hangs in the city council chambers, for his, his wife Shelia, Ernie Tassin's and many others', dedication to Westwego's senior citizens.

“Grits" was born on August 6, 1943, raised on Bertucci Street in Marrero. He attended Ames Elementary and Marrero Jr. High Schools.

At the age of eleven (11), his father Isaac, who had also been a musician, bought an old piano on which "Grits" put numbers on the keys when he practiced. Later learning the organ proved to be more difficult because along with his left and right hands moving on the keyboard, his left foot had to press the pedal at the bottom.

It was around the age of thirteen (13) when he used to sit in with the house band at the "Gay Paris" in Harvey.

"Grits" played for twenty (20) years with Johnny Thomassie, Eddie Parrino, Richard Pitre, Ronnie Galle, Ricky Hanks, and Carroll Freeman; who formed the group called, "The Deacons." The band played at the 300 Club, The Joy Lounge, Club 18, The Hawaiian Room, The Tahiti Club, The Raven in Boutte, and The Welcome Inn in Raceland. "The Deacons" also won 1st place in the Battle of the Bands at the VFW Hall on Monroe Street in Gretna.

A three piece band named, "Country Fire" which included Cliff Fonseca, and Stan Cantrelle, was the last band that "'Grits" played with for seven (7) years.

Lynn and his wife, Gerri, still reside on Bertucci Street and have raised nine children, 21 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Thanks to the Good Lord, who has given him the opportunity to play with many talented musicians during his musical career, and has kept his talent alive today. "Grits" present musical location is St. Joachim Church in Barataria, where he performs with the church band and choir.

T-Man was born in 1947, in Houma Louisiana. At the age of seven (7), the family moved to the Westbank; where he attended Immaculate Conception and Marrero Jr. High Schools. It was during his high school days where he began his musical career, playing drums in the school band.

By the age of 13, he formed a band with local school friends and began playing for school dances. Later on, he played an the local clubs throughout the Westbank and the Eastbank of New Orleans, with bands named "The Orbits," "The Explorers," "The Commanders," and with Skeeter Thomassie's band "The Chevelles."

T-Man has had the pleasure of playing with some of his fellow musicians here today, who are: Wayne Foret, Skeeter Thomassie, Hector Nieves, and Ronnie Boudreaux and is proud to call them friends till this day. And is equally honored to be inducted with all the fine musicians here, into the Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame.

T-Man has been a resident of the Westbank for the past 50 years and resides in Marrero, Louisiana, where they have raised two (2) children: Penny and Mandry III.

"Speedy" as most of us know him, was born to Emile and Azalea Courteaux on Christmas Eve, December 24,1932. His family lived and worked in Theriot Parish near the town of Bayou Dularge until he was eight (8) years old. Then the family moved to Harahan where "Speedy" attended school. During his high school days at Kenner High, he earned the nickname of "The Mute" given to him by his football teammates for being the fastest runner.

At the age of 15, "Speedy" taught himself to play guitar and formed a band with his best friend and his brother. Later on, he was offered a chance to go on tour with his band but declined because he had met the girl he was to marry.

In 1959, "Speedy" married Trudy Theriot, moved to Westwego and raised four (4) daughters. He retired in 1995 from Avondale Shipyards, with 25 years as an electrician.

He was an active member in the Westwego Civic Association, and a member of the "Over The Hill Gang" for many years; which entertained the senior citizens at their functions along with performing at nursing homes at no charge. He also enjoyed being apart of the "Christmas Under the Trees" program.

After years of playing music for dances, parties, and nightclubs, "Speedy" decided to use the gift God had given him in church. He joined an old friend at Lafitte Assembly of God, where they enjoyed playing together for many years. Soon he began playing in many churches on the Westbank. He also focused on entertaining at many nursing homes and hospitals for many of the sick and elderly.

Norman "Speedy" Courteaux left us on July 27, 1997 and is very sadly missed by his wife, children, family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Richard Pitre was born on December 17, 1943 and raised in Westwego, Louisiana. Introduced to the guitar at an early age, Richard has been playing for about 45 years. Richard's father, Ernest Pitre, was known as the "wandering cowboy" on local radio.

At the young age of 16, Richard's first gig was playing at a sock hop at Westwego Jr. High. In 1964-65, he joined a local band called "Eddie P & The Deacons." Since then, Richard has played with numerous bands at many different locations throughout the Westbank.

From 1972 til 1995, he enhanced the Mass with his music at Visitation of Our Lady Church in Marrero. Richard has also shared his musical talents with the congregation of St. Joachim Church from 1995 til 2002.

After 39 years at Avondale Shipyards, Richard retired on January 1, 2004. He enjoys tending his garden, playing the keyboard and, of course, the guitar. A lot of his time is spent working on many different projects in his workshop.

Born on September 26,1939 to O.J. and Verna Guidry Thomassie, "Skeeter" was raised in Marrero, Louisiana and attended both Marrero Jr. High and West Jefferson High School. "Skeeter" has been a musician for 56 years playing guitar, bass, piano, and organ.

In 1958, "Skeeter" was drafted into the Army, served in Korea, and won 1st Place in a USO Talent Show and went back to Korea in 2003 to entertain the troops.

In his musical career he has played with such bands as: "The Eight Tones," "Green Valley Playboys, "Joe Barry & The Doucet Brothers," "The Starlighters," "Country Swingers," "Connect Four," "Boogie Band," "The Chevelles," "The Chiffons," "Skeeter's Swamp Pop Band," "Kool Knights," (with Dan Ory, played various retirement homes), "Cajun Brass," and "The Hot Sauce Band."

During the last almost 6 decades, "Skeeter" has played numerous clubs, dance halls, festivals, KC and American Legion Homes all across the Westbank area. Some are still around today and some have left us with great memories of good times, namely: Tee Lee's, The Raven, Welcome Inn, Stage Coach, College Inn, Keyhole, Larry's On The Hill, Swamp Inn, Fireman's Hall, Canal Bank Inn, Mona Lisa., Tahiti Club, Orchid Lounge, Moulin Rouge, Robert E. Lee, Junkyard, Tip Top, Friendly Inn, Midway, Rose Room, Scorpio, Jose's Cantina, Moonlight Inn, Mel's Villa, La Petit (in Harvey Bowing Alley), Buzzard Inn, Cellar Club, Bat Cave, Suburbon, Silver Eagle, Lantern Club, Round Table, Joy Lounge, Down The Hatch, Buhler's Lounge, Wu Du, Lamplighters Club, Tropicana Lounge, 509 Club, Pierre's, Pirate's Cove, Laftite Grill, The Point, Fuzus, Blue Bayou, and Martin's Lounge.

Presently, "Skeeter" lives in Lafitte, Louisiana with his wife of 47 years, Suzanne Primeaux Thomassie, and they have raised 3 children.

It's been a long time coming, but "Skeeter" has been vigorously working on his first CD which should be out soon. It will include some country, swamp pop, oldies, classic standards, and a couple of original tunes written by "Skeeter." For those of us who know and have been entertained for the last several decades by "Skeeter" look forward to this new CD of one of the Westbank's favorite musicians.

Ronnie Boudreaux was born on June 15,1945, in Marrero, Louisiana, to Rene and Jeanne Daigle Boudreaux. His passion for music began at the age of nine (9), when he learned to play the piano and guitar.

In 1959, when he was fourteen (14), Ronnie, Donnie Richard, Charlie Falcon, and Don LeBlanc started a band called "The Night Hawks." Their first job, for which each member was paid $7.00, was backing up Louisiana's own Living Legend, Joe Barry. Then the band played on 4th St. at the Orchid Lounge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night at $50.00 a night. Duane Schurb and Ralph Martinez sat in frequently with the band. At that time, Duane put together new members of legal age: Carroll Boudreaux, Sidney "Dooky" Lodriguss, Ralph Martinez, and Ronnie; using Duane's draft card. The band played at the Joy Lounge, Alibi Lounge, and the Belvedere in Houma.

Sadly, the band broke up and Ronnie hung out at the Old Scorpio Lounge where shortly thereafter, Joe Carl and Bobby Tassin invited him to play bass four nights a week.

In the early 60's, Ronnie played with Joe Barry's band at the Welcome Inn in Raceland. In the mid 60's, Ronnie and Duane formed a band called "The Mystics." They played at the Raven Lounge in Boutte, where they backed up New Orleans Legends: Irma Thomas, the late Roland Stone, Ernie K Doe, Benny Spellman, and Smiley Lewis.

Ronnie actually went to Nashville and recorded an album with a band called "The Ravin Mads." Then Ronnie played with "Wild Honey" at the Tahiti Club in Marrero and the "Levee Board" with Billy Fayard at The Round Table in Gretna. Ronnie has played with many good friends such as: Hector Nieves, Steve Adams, Brett Thomassie, P.E. Gilligan, Rod Schouest, Mike Clements, Brian Baker, Buck Baker, A.J. Pittman, Ken "Snakebite" Jacobs, Ray Shall, Richard "Sleepy" Brunet, the late Barry Rodrigue, Johnny Thomassie, and Frank Molere. He has also accompanied such musical giants as: Sam the Sham., Aaron & Art Neville, B.J. Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Eddie Bo, Jerry Raines, Frankie Ford, Oliver Morgan, Tommy Ridgley, Jerry Burns, Johnny Adams, Dale & Grace, Martha Reeves, and Clarence "Frogman" Henry.

His first CD, "I Wrote This Song For You," was recorded in 2003. Ronnie performs today with the "Alley Cats" and "'Rue Garue."

Ronnie was born October 9, 1943 to Mary Mildred and Marc Antony Barrousse on Brooklyn Street in Algiers, Louisiana. As an Algiers boy, Ronnie attended Behrman High School and played music with several local musicians like Billy Fayard, Boo Hargis, Eddie Hynes, Carroll Freeman, Woody Valiant, and Vic Fourquet, in a band called, "The Fidelities."

Through the years Ronnie continued to develop his New Orleans based keyboard and vocals by playing gigs with such artists as: Dr. John, Paul Butterfield, B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Louis Prima, Eric Burden, Tom Waitts, John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Turner, and many others.

His solo career saw the release of albums which included: Reverend Ether, The Smile of Life, Blue Delicacies, and Bon Ton Roulette.

Along with his musical career, Ronnie had the great privilege of expanding his talents on the big screen, with preformances in: One From the Heart, Comback, Stoney Island, Angel, Code of Silence, and Above the Law, starring Steven Segal, where Ronnie played a cocky bartender.

In the end, Ronnie got to do what he loved best, which was entertain. He was one of the best kept secrets in the music business, a true unsung hero, but like all true musicians, he played music not so much for the money, but because he lived for it! Music was the life force which rushed through his veins and fed his soul till the very end.

Ronnie is survived by his mother, Mildred Arsing; daughter, Ava Lynn Barrousse; son Ronald Raymond Barrousse, Jr., and two step-sons; Ron Mikael and John Frank and their mother Kim Johnson Barron. His father Marc Anthony Barrousse has since joined his son.

Ronnie Galle was born on March 31, 1945, the first son of Anna Hebert Galle and Norris Paul Galle.

Ronnie was a normal "Cowboys & Indians" boy until around the age of nine when he became interested in music. He had a cousin who played trumpet and Ronnie loved "Satchmo's" music; so the trumpet would be his instrument.

He took his first private lessons with Mr. Hanley at Werlein's on Canal Street in New Orleans. He first played with the Westwego Jr. High School band under the direction of Mr. Leland Bennett.

In 1955, he played in a local band named the "Starlights" which played for weddings, dances, and local functions.

In 1960, Ronnie moved to Belle Chasse and joined the Belle Chasse High School Band, and also played with the "Casa Del"s," and sat in with numerous groups.

In 1964, Ronnie married Charlene Richoux and had two children: Ronald S. Galle, Jr., and Angel Galle.

In 1965, he was a member of a group named, "Eddie P. and The Deacons," which competed in many "battle of the bands" and came out on top. This group played in several Westbank clubs, including clubs along Highway 90 and even down Highway 1 in Grand Isle.

Being a famly man, Ronnie waned away from playing in clubs and played in the church choir for a period of time.

Though he is not playing today, his love of music, especially the 50's classics, continues. When the beat begins he claps his hands or taps his feet. He is often found standing in front of a band observing and listening. It's a common joke that Ronnie will dance until his shoes "smoke."

Buck Baker, a life long resident of the Westbank, began taking clarinet lessons from Professor Minetta on Lebeouf Street in Algiers, but it wasn't long before he figured out that the saxophone was the instrument for him. His style was a blend of rock 'n' roll, R&B, and country, which captivated all audiences.

As a teenager, Buck formally began his musical career in 1955 with the "Syncopators." Three years later his band merged with the "Aristocrats," and with the best of both bands, "The Esquires" were born. Leading the "Esquires" during the late 50's on to the 60's, 70s, and 80's, allowed them to fashion a style that was uniquely their own. This group was talented, charismatic, always dressed to perfection, and could keep any audience all night long. Together they became a family to each other and to the many loyal fans for nearly thirty years, which confirmed "The Esquires" status of one of the most admired bands on the Westbank.

Buck's work on the sax has helped him create an impressive and wide ranging resume' that includes assisting Frankie Ford with his first recording and playing with such great musicians as Dr. John, Fats Domino, and Roland Stone. In addition, he has also served as a member and then President of the New Orleans Musicians Alumni Association and founding President of The Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame, Inc.

Buck has been married to his wife Janice for almost 40 years. He is also proud of the fact that his brother George, his son Brian, and his grandson Blake, are following in his musical footsteps.

Being nominated and inducted into the Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame with his dear friends and fellow "Esquires" like "Jackel" and Eddie Hynes is truly an honor to which he is humbled and respectfully 

Born on October 29, 1948, one of 8 children to Albert and Irene Foret of Westwego, Wayne always dreamed of becoming a performer.

He started off by going to dances where he would get to sing a few songs with his best friend, Jake Chimento, who was already in the music business. With no musical background, only desire and determination, Wayne started buying musical equipment and taught himself how to play.

In 1973, "Wayne Foret & The Rockin'50's" were formed. The 5 piece band played at The Canal Bank Inn, The Starlight Lounge, The Old Swamp Inn, The Moulin Rouge, and The Old Fireman's Hall, along with local dances, private parties, and weddings.

In 1985, he wrote and recorded his first two singles, "Oh Darling Forever" and "Begging You Please;" which were very successful. These first two records were a major factor in making "The Rockin' 50's" as well recognized as it is today.

In 1997, Wayne released his first CD, which is still doing well on the local level.

In August of 1998, Wayne received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 9th Annual Music Awards in Gonzales, Louisiana, for 25 years of dedication to the love of Swamp Pop Music.

Soon after Wayne received a call from Jimmy Rogers of CSP Records and after signing with the label, released his CD "Through The Years" followed by "Thinking of You" then, "Wayne & Jake Swamp Popin." He is now working on his 4th CD; soon to be released around August of this year. CSP Records distributes Wayne's CD's to many radio stations in South Louisiana, the United States, and overseas, to Gonzales Music Wholesale, and many retail outlets.

Through the support of his faithful fans, his 5 children and his wife, Joelyn of 37 years, Wayne has maintained his popularity throughout Southeast Louisiana and has been a Westbank favorite for 40 years.

Wilbert Guidry was born March 23, 1930.

He played with the "Over The Hill Gang" band for over 22 years and was happy and proud to play for Westwego's Senior Citizens for the parties and dances. The band also played at no charge for various nursing homes for the elderly.

Wilbert was married for 48 years to his wife Eva. Mr. Guidry passed away on November 28, 2001, and is missed by all who knew and loved him.