BOBBY FORET

My name is Bobby Foret. I was born December 29, 1961. I am the son of deceased West Bank Hall Of Fame

Inductee L.J Foret and my mom Beverly Babin Foret. I am the second born of two children, first being my brother

Ronnie Foret. I was born and raised in Houma, LA. I lived there until I was 28 years old. I attended Bayou Cane

School, Lisa Park Elementary School, Houma Junior High and I am a graduate of Terrebonne High School. I married

and moved to Raceland, LA., where I reside today with my wife of eighteen years, Wendy Folse, and two children,

Kerry and Lil Bobby.

Besides playing music at night and on the weekends, I am employed by an oilfield related business "Magnum Mud

Equipment Co." and have been for fourteen years.

Musical History:

At an early age, my mom would sing and play the guitar for me. By the time I was five, she had taught me my first

three guitar chords. From then on, I was hooked. I wanted to play music, and by all means, I wanted to play in my

dad's band. When I turned 13, it happened. My dad, L.J. Foret, asked me to join his group, I did and I played for him

for seven years and have been playing ever since. Over the years I have played guitar, piano, bass guitar, pedal steel

guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. I have been playing music professionally for 34 years. In 1981, my brother and I

put together a band called "Southern Pride". During that time, I performed in local clubs around the Houma area that

include "Cowboy's", "The Country Club",

"Frontiers" and "George's". On the West Bank, we became the house band at "Bronco's". In 1986, "Southern Pride"

joined a local battle of the bands, competing and placing in the top 6 out of 100,000 bands nation wide. The group

went on to Nashville to compete for the finals on a show called

"Nashville Now", and came home with a third place trophy and a lot of helpful knowledge of the music business.

Being with "Southern Pride" gave me the chance to share the stage and play music with some big names in the

business such as Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, T.

Graham Brown, Billy Joe Royal, Ronnie McDowell, Joel Sonnier, David Allen Coe, Neal McCoy, Joe Diffie, The

Kentucky Headhunters, McBride and the Ride, Jimmie C. Newman, Stonewall Jackson, Jack Greene, Vin Bruce, Pott

Folse, Waylon Thibodaux and others. I also was a studio musician at Gator Tracks recording studio in Houma, did

studio work at La Louisianne recording studio in Lafayette, and at Starbarn recording studio in Raceland, LA. In 1990,

I married the love of my life, Wendy Folse, and she and I started playing music together as a duo during the week

while I was still playing with "Southern Pride" on week-ends. It wasn't long after that

"Southern Pride" hired Wendy as a guitarist and female vocalist for the band. Three years later, she took some time

off as she was expecting Lil' Bobby. When she started up again, we formed the "Down Home" band. We have been

playing music as "Down Home" for fourteen years now. We currently play in the Houma area at hotel chains including

the Ramada Inn and The Plantation Inn. We also have played music on the Westbank at the Moulin Rouge, the

Junkyard, Scorpio's, and still play frequently at the V.F.W. in Marrero and for the Am Vets in Westwego. The "Down

Home" band has played twice for Governor Mike Foster at the Governor's Mansion in Baton Rouge. As much as I

have enjoyed all my music endeavors, I am honored and proud to be selected as an inductee into the Westbank

Musicians Hall of Fame. I would like to thank everyone who had any part in it

Born on December 5, 1949, Don is the son of Gloria Cleveland Sylver and the late Albert Sylver. He was raised in

Westwego and attended Westwego Elementary, Westwego Jr.

High and graduated from West Jefferson High School.

Don has been playing music since he age of twelve,

taking lessons at Werlein's for five years under the instruction of Mr. Paul Guma. He helped form and was a member

of the band, "The Majestics", who won many Battle of the Bands at Ponchatrain Beach. While with "The Majestics" for

twelve years, Don backed up many artists including, Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, Benny Spellman, Oliver Morgan and

Joe Barry. He has also played with the

"Bo Tyler Band" and did the warm-up for Hank Williams, Jr. Don has sat in with John Belushi and has performed at

the Jazz and Heritage Festival. He has recorded several albums with different bands and has played several genres

of music from country, gospel, fifties, sixties, seventies, southern rock, to contemporary rock. Don believes that the

bass guitar is the lagniappe in a band; that extra something that completes a band's sound.

Don retired from the Jefferson Parish Public School

System, as a mechanical engineer, after 33 years of service.

Don and his wife Yvonne have a daughter Donna Sylver. The couple resides in Westwego

Good evening my name is Donald Martin Burdett aka "Donny". I was born on November 25, 1955 in New Orleans,

Louisiana to Helena Venezia Burdett and the late Charles W. Burdett Jr. I have one sibling, namely, Charles W.

Burdett III. I lived in Metairie Louisiana and now reside in Westwego, Louisiana. I attended grammar school at Airline

Park Elementary, Junior High at T.H.Harris Jr High, and East Jefferson High School. I have 2 Daughters, who are

here tonight Crystal Burdett Hirstius, and Christina Marie Burdett. I am a proud Grandparent of 2 beautiful twins,

namely, Caelyn and Braeden Hirstius. I currently work in the transportation department of the movie industry in New

Orleans area.

I studied music in Grammar and Middle school under the direction of Mr. William Kelly and furthered my studies with

Mr. Ray Fransen. I was a member of the Southern Rebels Drum and Bugle Corp. I started playing drums with Dance

and Show Groups at Weddings, Dances, Private parties, Political Gatherings and clubs on the East and Westbank

just to name a few; The Moulon Rouge, Scorpio, The Junkyard, Fat Cat, 601 Paterson, Fireman's Hall, American

Legion Halls, Knights of Columbus Hall's Am-Vet's Hall's with bands named "Wisdom" and the "Chevelles".

I joined a band " The Deacons" that was later named "Burgundy" in 1978 until 1985.

We played top 40 dance Music and oldies at Weddings, Dances, Carnival Ball Dances, and private parties all over

the New Orleans Metropolitan area to name a few;

The Saxony, The Arrow Room, The Champagne Room, The Four Columns, Hilton, The Marriot, and The Superdome

where we opened The Endymion Extravaganza for Wayne Newton, Melissa Manchester, Sheena Easton, and Fats

Domino.

In the late 80's I played with many groups namely; The Fugg-ow-wees, Bobby Lonero and the New Orleans Express,

Benny Grunch and the Bunch, The RythmExpress. I was elected Secretary Treasure of the New Orleans Musicians

Alumni Association.

That is where I met up with a good friend "Roland Stone" Roland Leblanc.. We played all over the East and West

bank, Blueberry Festival, Tipatina, Margaritaville, House of Blues, Jazz Fest New Orleans, and I had the Honor to go

to Canada and play for Montreal Jazz Festival.

I have played in the company of many great Artist/ Musicians Local and National namely Joe Barry (I'm a Fool to

Care), Earl Stanleys (Pass the Hatchet), John Fred and the Playboy band (Judy in Disguise), Tommy Ridgley

(Without You), Oliver Morgan (Who Shot the laa laa), Ernie K Doe (Mother in Law), Benny Grunch (Over by your

mom an em), Roland Stone (Just a Moment of your time), Frankie Ford (Sea Cruise), Alan Colay (Last Chance), Mike

Ancona (Got to Be A Girl), Eddy Powers (Gypsy Woman), Jimmy Eledge (Funny How time slips away) .

I have had the opportunity to Record with Roland Stone, Ronny Boudreaux and

Dwaine Schurb on the following CD's;

Live on the Creole Queen CD/Roland Stone/Orleans Records

Try me one more time CD/Dwaine Shurb/HLE Records, I wrote this song for you/Ronny Boudreaux/HLE Records

In closing, it is an honor to be inducted in the Westbank Hall of Fame, not only with all the inductees tonight, but all

past and future inductees.

Thank you for this esteem of fame and glory

Dudley Vicknair Jr. was born on June 30, 1954 to Elaine and Dudley J. Vicknair Sr. Dudley had 1 brother Danny and

1 sister Darlene. Raised in Gretna, Louisiana, he attended Helen Cox and West Jefferson High Schools.

Dudley also served a 3 year term in the Navy, stationed in Florida.

He started playing music around the age of 15, playing drums, lead guitar and vocal. In his early music days, he

played with his father's band, " The Country Gentlemen".

Dudley Jr. formed a band called, "Bad Water" whose members were: Don "Tubby" Plaisance, C.J. Chiasson, Chris

Ford, Mike Stansbury and Bobby Minjariz. He wanted everyone in the band to be able to play each of the instruments

so that only one person would take a break at a time and the band could keep on playing. The "Bad Water" band

stayed together for 29 years playing in such places as, The Country Swing, Fireman's Hall and Moulin Rouge.

Dudley Jr. was married to Della Vicknair for 15 years and raised 3 children, Danielle, Dustin and Corey Vicknair along

with 1 grandchild Carla Vicknair.

Besides playing music, he drove a taxi cab for over 20

years.

Accepting his certificate is Dudley's mother, Ms. Elaine

VicknaiR

Born in Mathews, Louisiana on June 24, 1934, to Camille and Estalina Thibodeaux Vicknair, Dudley J.

Vicknair had 3 brothers; Leroy, Early and Junior and 2 sisters; Gloria and Vera. Dudley was raised in Westwego,

Louisiana.

Dudley Sr., began his musical career in the late 40's singing each morning on WWL radio station in New Orleans. He

also had his own band, "Country Gentlemen" for well over 15 years. He played guitar and sang along with other band

members, E. J. Orgeron, Bobby Pampus, Jimmy Trahan and Russ Russell. They played at places like, Jimmy's Place

and Lafitte Grill, The Woodoo in Gretna, Starlight in Marrero, and Pecan Grove Tavern in Westwego.

Dudley Sr. was married to Elaine Vicknair for 35 years raising Dudley Jr., Danny and Darlene and has 6

grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He worked for Jefferson Parish Recreation Dept. for 17 years and drove a

taxi cab also. He was also married to Darlene Vicknair.

Dudley Sr. passed away on September 22, 1996.

Accepting his certificate is his daughter, Darlene Vicknair St. Germaine

"Yogi" was born on July 8, 1950 in Colorado

Springs, Colorado. Since his mother was from Westwego, Louisiana, his parents, along with his brother Tommy,

moved to Westwego in 1956.

He started playing music at the age of 12 at

Westwego Jr. High and continued at West Jefferson High School.

At age 14, "Yogi" joined the Post 64 American

Legion Bands and the Music Makers Orchestra.

He joined "The Majestics" at age 15 and "The

Ravin' Mads" at age 18.

"Yogi" has played at The Sands, Germania Hall, and

numerous dances and weddings.

He's played with Ronnie Boudreaux, Calvin Gaudin,

Hector Nieves, Johnny Thomassie, Dale Boudreaux, Big Dave Chiasson, Timothea and Art Neville, Eddie Bo, Oliver

Morgan, Professor Longhair and many other talented musicians and artists

Hagan Paul Schouest, Sr., better known as "The Wheel" was born on December 3, 1923 to Harris and Lillie

Schouest. He had 1 brother Herbert, 1 step-sister Nora and 1 step-brother Harris, Jr.

Hagan was raised in Lafourche Parish and attended school in Raceland, Louisiana.

Hagan taught himself how to play guitar, learning many songs

by ear and later on took guitar lessons. He played with a band called, " Bayou Buccaneers" who performed many

Hank Williams favorites, at the J&J Lounge, Graff's Halfway House and Mitch Martin's Lounge. He also made many

guest appearances with his best friends, Vin Bruce and with Nick Contranchis'band the, "Delta Boys Cajun Band".

Hagan also sat in with many bands that played at the Moulin Rouge, Fireman's Hall, Larry's on the Hill and many

weddings and parties at FW and American Legion Halls.

Hagan wrote and produced his only recording named, "Belle

Fleur" (Beautiful Flower) which is still being played today on Cajun radio stations.

Hagan married the former Nora Adams in 1943 and shortly after joined the Navy Seebees and served in World War

Il. After the war, he and Nora moved from Lafourche Parish to Marrero and was employed by Jefferson Parish Roads

& Bridges as a superintendent for 33 years when he retired.

Hagan and Nora were married for 50 years when he passed away on December 30, 1993. They raised 3 children,

Hagan Paul Jr., Betty S. LeBlanc and Henrietta S. Martin and have 5 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

Jerry Joseph Morvant was born on June 28, 1932 in Lafourche Parish to Whitney Morvant and Lucille Gros Morvant.

Jerry is the brother of the late Wilson, Warren, Troy, Betty, and Mildred Morvant.

He is the step-brother of the late Louis Morvant.

Jerry Morvant, although born in Lafourche Parish, was raised in Westwego, Louisiana. He attended Our Lady of

Prompt succor ad Westwego Junior High.

Jerry married Antoinette Alleno of Westwego in 1956. The have one daughter, Loycelyn Ann Morvant of Lake

Hermitage, Louisiana.

Jerry began playing the lead and Bass Guitar at a young age.

Over the years he played with many local artist such as Gerald Dubois, Al Louvelle, Nick Contranchis, Carl

Contranchis, DD Broussard, Terry Bennettie, Jerry Chaisson, Smokie Guthrie, Smokie Hartman, Tommy and Henry

LeBlanc, Earl Ortego, Richard Brown, Clincy Gros, Gilroy Juslin, Glenn Landry, Kenny Naquin, Ralph King, Nolan

Dufrene, Jimmie and Dino Palmasino, Paul Edwards, Billy Joe Webb, Huey Bourgeois, Curley Langley, Bob Allen,

Slue Foote, Herbie Scully, CJ Chaisson, Dudley Vicknair, Jr. & Sr., Jules Gaspard, Red LeBlanc, Jr., James Dupre,

Benny Chaisson, Joe Young, Harvey Ray, Leslie Broussard, and PE Gilligan, and many more.

Jerry played at countless local bar and clubs such as the Moulin Rouge, The Scorpio, The Moon Light Inn, The Tip

Top, Papa Joe's, The Sunrise Inn, Alex's Bar, The Canal Bank Inn, The Keyhole, The Fireman's Hall, The Voodoo,

The Lafitte Grill, The Captain's Table, The Jungle Inn, The Monaco Bar, The 509, The Blue Angel Inn, The Sea Train

Tavern, and many others.

Jerry Morvant now resides in Franklin, Louisiana with his wife

"Candy" was born in Picayune, Ms. on August 4, 1947 to Clifton and Gladys Bennett, having one brother Walter and

one sister Charlene, both deceased. He attended Picayune Memorial High School.

His first job was with a band called, "Rampages" which opened for the Bonanza shows at the Pontchatrain Beach.

Later he played guitar for B.J. Johnson on live radio shows at WRJW in Picayune. He played numerous clubs in Pearl

River, Slidell and Bogalusa. "Candy" played steel guitar at My Father's Mustache and with Skip Easterling at Caesar's

both clubs in New Orleans. He played at the Hired Hand in Kenner with Bobby Cupid's band. "Candy" and Wayne

Varnado started a band called, "The Louisian Red Hots" and played at Bronco's in Gretna, the 501, Suarez', the

Balcony in Metairie and Hogs in Chalmette. Then he played with Toxie Baughman and his brother "Deaser" at the

Old Scorpio and the Last Round Up.

"Candy" has won the MCMA's steel guitar player of the year award in 1989 and songwriter of the year in 1990. He's

played steel guitar with Hank Thompson and "The Brazos Valley Boys." He has appeared on Austin City Limits with

Gary P. Nunn. He does studio work for Cloud Nine Studio and Silver Creek. He now plays seven nights a week with,

"The Open Range Band" at the 5050 Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

"Candy" lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife Leslie Ann and has four children, Teresa, Joseph Jr., Melissa and

Katrina and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

Born on February 18, 1962 in New Orleans to Milton

and Velma Bordelon Lachney from Marksville, Louisiana, Kenneth Lachney has two brothers, Malcolm and Milton

(deceased) and two sisters, Loretta and May.

Kenneth graduated in 1980 from East Jefferson High

School.

- As a child of 7 or 8 years, Kenny would sing and play piano along with his mother, father and 2 brothers. When

Kenny turned 18, he began playing with such performers as Ernie K-doe and other local bands around town. At 19,

he played his first paying job in Lafitte at The Grill which led to him playing places on the Westbank like the Moose

Lodge, The Fireman's Hall, Country Swing, and The Junkyard. During Kenny's 25 years plus as a musician, Kenny

has had the pleasure of playing with Freddy Fender, Jimmy Cotton, Jessie Hill, Al McCrossen, Al Dressel, Frankie

Brent, Oliver Morgan, Norman Wade, Bobby Lonero, Tommy Ridgely, just to name a few.

Kenny currently has his own band called, "Kenny L & Swamp Fire" whose members include Norman Millet, Pee Wee

Guidry, Ray Angelle, Lyle Hooper, and Johnny Cacibouda. He is also a member of the Nashville Songwriters

Association and of BMI Publishing Assoc.

He has also been employed for the last 25 years with

the Jefferson Parish Engineering Department.

Kenney is thankful for the gift of music which as been good to him & to all the musicians that carry on the tradition

Kent Leonard was born on November 30, 1954 to James and Marion

Leonard. He has one brother Gary J. Leonard. Raised in Harvey, Louisiana, he attended St. Rosalie and graduated in

1972 from Archbishop Shaw High School. He began playing guitar in 1963 at the age of 9. His first music job began

at the age of 14, playing bass guitar with a band called, "Country Classics" which included his dad and Speedy

Courteaux for VFW and American Legion dances. While taking lessons from Johnny Bonvillain he started his first

band, "King Bee". In the early years he played with several bands at the Rose Room, Cliff's Lounge, Glo Room,

Fireman's Hall, Chuck's Bar, Swamp Inn, Four Palms Lounge and Plantation Lounge.

In 1981, he joined up with Bobby Cure at Bobby's Place. During this time he got to play with Jessie Hill, Tommy

Ridgely, Johnny Adams, Ernie-K-Doe, Jean Knight and Bobby Mitchell. From there he joined some friends that

opened up Bronco's in Gretna. Then in 1982 he joined the

"Honey Island Band". While with the band for 10 years he got to share the stage with such stars as Merle Haggard,

Tammy Wynette, Lee Greenwood, Gary Morris and Faron Young. He has now gone back to his passion and is now

playing music with 3 different Blues bands in the French Quarter, at the Old Point Bar, Ruby's Roadhouse and

Birdies' Roadhouse.

He has also played music with Dwight Breland and Hall of Famer's,

Johnny & Nick Cacibauda, Ed Sutherland, Wayne Trosclair, Ronnie Falgout, Dr. Guey, Sal Solito, Jerry Pekinto,

Skeeter Thomassie, Speedy Courteaux and Bobby Mitchell.

Kent has been married to Suzette Dupont Leonard for 27 years. They

have 1 daughter Mami and 1 son Matthew. Kent presently works for LeBlanc & Theriot, where he's been a computer

tech for fuel systems for the last 5 years

Leroy John Camardelle was born on January 2, 1938 at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, La. His parents were Henry

Camardelle at age 30 and Marie Matherne Camardelle at age 26.

Henry and Marie had four other children named Woodrow, Johnny, Wildon, and Gladys and lived on Pleasant Street

in Westwego, La. Leroy attended Our Lady of Prom Soc Catholic School up to the eleventh grade. After his eleventh

grade year he had to quit school to help his parents. At the age of fifth teen he started working as a shrimp boiler at a

shrimp factory called Robinson Can Company. He started playing music when he was seventeen. He played rhythm

guitar in a band called Ronnie and The Be Bops. The other band members consisted of Nolan Dufrene, Jerry

Chassion, and Ronnie Besson. He played music solely by ear because he couldn't read music notes. The band

played at the Swamp Inn, Tarzans, Canal Bank Inn and The Round House along with some performances at school

dances. One night while performing at The Round House he met Frances Fonseca and fell in love. He married her on

December 24, 1960. He was 23 and she was 17. They lived on Pecan Grove Oak Ave in Westwego, La.

They had four daughters named Juanita, Christine, Mathilda, and Connie. He played music for 10 years. Over the

years he held a few jobs such as sand blasting, welding, and being a boat captain.

His held his final job for eleven years as a road worker for the state department. Unfortunately he had a bad accident

as was considered disabled. Leroy and Frances divorce on March 25, 1998. He has ten grandchildren. Juanita's

children are Dawn Bergeron, Kallie LeBoeuf, and Dilan LeBoeuf. Christine's children are Rusty and Amanda Felarise.

Mathilda's children are Sarah and Emily Drake.

Connie's children are Nicole, Cassie and Amber Adams. He also has five great grandchildren Amrys Hebert which is

Amanda's child, Aiden Donlon and M'Kayla Baggerly which are Nicole's children, Jayla Rhodes which is Cassie's

child, and Evan Felarise which is Rusty's child. Leroy is now seventy years old and lives in Galliano, La with his

daughter Christine

On January 26, 1936, in Vacherie, Louisiana, Leroy Joseph Simoneaux (Ticky) was born to Allain and Elida

Simoneaux. Armant Plantation is where he was raised along with 8 brothers and sisters. Lilly Mae Simoneaux resides

in Thibodaux; the remaining children are deceased. (Bruno, Gabriel, Allain, Eugene, Mildred (Tregre), Grace

(DeRoche), and Theresa (DeRoche).

Seventh ward was the first school he attended from grades 1-6. He left St. James High School in the 11 grade to

follow in the footsteps of his 4 older brothers and joined the military.

The Royal Cafe in Vacherie was where he first performed. While serving in the Army in Germany, he continued to

entertain his buddies who, like Ticky, were homesick and in need of some good old country music.

Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Abadie, and will celebrate their 53rd Anniversary in October. They

were blessed with two daughters, Christy and Kathy, as Well as 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

By day, Leroy was a top-notch machinist, working for Bancroft & Ross, Pregas and E.B.

Ludwig for over 20 years.

Lead guitar and vocals were his choice - however, played bass guitar and tried nearly any instrument if need be! His

music career spanned over 25 years, performing in such bands as the Evictors and Playboys along with Harold

Guidry, Slewfoot Yeager and Pap Joe Cantevespri.

Friends and family followed him to such places as the Canal Bank Inn, Key Hole, and Fireman's Hall to enjoy his

music.

An automobile accident in the early 80's ended both careers and nearly ended his life.

Through prayer and care, he still resides in River Ridge, Louisiana and still enjoys listening to country music.

Though he's only cut one single "Last Date and Slewfoot Boogie", in the hearts of all of those who've enjoyed his

performances, he'll always be a star

"Chico" was one of three children, born on November

5, 1946 in New Orleans to Valeriano and Mary Mendez LaChica. He was the baby of two siblings, named Valeriano

Jr. and Adrian. Raised in the Ninth Ward, he attended C.F.

Colton and Francis T. Nichols Sr. High schools.

"Chico"is a Vietnam veteran, having served in the U.S.

Navy from March 1966 till he was honorable discharged in

1968. While in the Navy, he sang in the Blue Jacket Choir and the Sixth Fleet Band. He also worked as a New

Orleans Fire Fighter from 1975 thru 1978.

Nicky's musical career started in 1960 with a band called,

"The Valiants" playing at the Bridge Circle Inn. In 1965, he played with Bobby Reno who recorded, "Soul Train". From

playing with a band named, "We The People", in 1969, Nicky moved on to play with, "The Corvairs", "The Belairs",

The Smoke Band", "Tricks" and "Frankie & The Cruisers". He had the pleasure of performing with such great artists

and musicians as, Art & Aaron Neville, Irma Thomas, Oliver Morgan, Eddie Bo, Ernie K-Doe, Kenny Elliot (Jack the

Cat), Wayne Foret, Earl Stanley, Frankie Ford, Johnny Vindigni, Harry Ravain, Johnny Thomassie, Nikki Baudean,

Hector Nevis and Ray Barry. Nicky played various clubs and events thoughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and

Florida.

Some of the local clubs were, Carter Country, Froggies, Elmo's Backdoor, Celebrity Club, Gretna Tavern, Big Apple,

The Villa, Fireman's Hall, Naval Air Base in Belle Chasse, many Custom Cruisers Car Shows, Sheriff Harry Lee's

Dances, F&M Patio, Sacred Heart Dances and in Nashville

with "The Trick Band". During many of his performances,

"Chico" was called, "The Little Man with the Big Voice".

"Chico" past away on October 16, 2002, having lived the last 23 years of his life on the Westbank. He has two

children Ben Bearden and Chi LaChica, two stepsons, Richie & Paul Kiraly, 3 grandchildren and 3 step-grandsons.

Nicky's wife, Paula Brunet LaChica will accept his certificate into the Westbank Musicians Hall of Fame

Marion Marcotte became a legend of Cajun French music and language. He was a songwriter, storywriter, vocalist

and guitar player.

Although he lived most of his life in Cajun land, he was not really Cajun. His ancestors originated from the Alsace-

Lorraine area of France. He was born and raised on a farm in Moreauville, Louisiana with 9 brothers and sisters. After

he received his high school diploma, he moved with his parents to New Orleans. He began playing in local bars and

night clubs with other musicians and created his own band.

He fell in love with and dated for ten years, Rita Spera, a woman whose family migrated from Italy in the early 1900's,

then settled in Gretna. He married her in 1959 and continued to live in the house she grew up in, on 4th Street, in

Historic Gretna, for the rest of his life. The house still remains in the family. They had three children, Louis III, Lori,

and Lisa, and two grandchildren, by Lisa, Reginald Marcotte and Lexie Duhon.

Also, one granddaughter by Lori, Sophia Maria Parigi. He was a hard working man and a great father. He managed

to send his three children to St. Joseph Catholic School in Gretna, in order to instill the values he learned as a child

and provide them with a good education. He and his family openly expressed their feelings for one another and

enjoyed an inseparable love.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He joined the membership of the William D. White Masonic Lodge in

Gretna, in 1957. He was a full time longshoreman for 40 years and a part time musician. He retired in 1981, as a

union foreman of stevedores. Although French language and music were where his heart laid, he struggled laboring

to give his family what they needed and more.

He wrote over 300 songs, published 40 records and several albums. There are many beautiful, brilliant, heart

wrenched songs that still remain unpublished. The first song he wrote was when he was a child at age 14. His

parents were very poor. He used this as part of his inspiration, putting some of his life experiences in his funny folk

tales and songs of country life. He picked cotton on the farm to purchase his first guitar. He had a down to carth

personality which allowed him tell his stories natural and humorous. His stories were so comical, people laughed

themselves into tears. His other inspirations came from his love for his wife and children. He wrote a song when his

son Louis was bor, as he waited by the delivery room. Marion's popularity peaked in the 60's and early 70's and even

today his works are played on radio stations throughout the State of Louisiana and some parts of Texas. He wrote

and published campaign songs for Senators, Sheriffs, and other political candidates. He produced jingles for ads. His

songs consisted of a variety of emotions from sad to funny, births to deaths, and from love and heartaches. His music

was not typical of any style but his own. It was a very advanced percussion style, difficult to create with the recording

equipment in the 60's. And, his talent was authentic.

He firmly believed in and was an activist to keeping the French language alive. His parents only spoke French. He did

not speak English until he went to school at age six Around the time of his popularity, the French language was

diminishing in Louisiana.

His Cajun tales served as a bridge to keep the French communication open. The ability to hear his stories over the

radio helped to keep French alive in family's homes.

Today, a couple of colleges in the United States and colleges in Canada use his French tales as electives for Cajun

French and Cajun slang. He has received numerous awards and request to appear from the Cajun French Music

Association, Le Cajun Awards, the Council for The Development of French in Louisiana, Cultural Affairs of Paris,

France.

He's made the "top 10 seller list" of country music. In January, 1998 he was elected as a life time member of the

CAJUN MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM, an officially sealed music association of the State of Louisiana. In

June, 2007 he was inducted into the WESTBANK'S MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME.

Marion died in 1998 at age 81 from results of a stroke at West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero, Louisiana. He is buried

at Westlawn Cemetery on Whitney Avenue in Gretna, Louisiana, together with his wife, Rita, who died five years after

him, at age 75. His children and grandchildren still live in the city. Many people and his family miss him, but hope that

his music, stories and love will carry on French traditions and inspire family devotion. He was indeed A FRENCH

MUSICAL STORY, himself

Son of Walter and Helen Campion, Mike was born in McComb, Ms.

On June 9,1951. Soon after, the family moved to Gretna, La. This is where my brothers, Walter and Lauwerence and

Mike grew up.

Being raised in a musical family, his grandmother Mabel Campion

played the piano for the United Methodist Church in McComb, Ms.

Older brother Walter Campion was West Jefferson's first drum major

from 1963-1965. He also played trumpet. Laurence Campion played drums in West Jefferson's marching band and

concert band from 1964-1967.

Schools Mike attended were Wm. Hart Ele. Gretna JR. High, and West Jefferson. It was in Gretna Jr. high when Mike

started playing drums for the marching and concert bands.

Then picking up the guitar, he started his first lesson at Bonvillian music. Under the instruction of Mr. Johnny

Bonvillian and Russ Russell.

Later thru the years he also learned from Austin Secard, Andy Hymel and Billy Jacquillard.

At 15 years old, some friends and Mike started a horn band called the Golden Souls. Staying together for three years

they became Oliver "Who shot the LaLa" Morgan's back up band.

Being with Oliver Morgan, Mike met many musicians who are now well known in the New Orleans area. Such as

Charles and Cyril Neville, Erma Thomas, Marva Wright, Ernie K Doe, Tommy Ridgely, Johnny Adams and

Gatemouth Brown. Years later, Mike had gotten his teenage band members back together again.

David Pillow, Chris Schieffler, Joey Baldassero and

Mike put another R&B Blues band together and called themselves

"NightShift" Looking for a female singer, they found Wendy Seigel sitting in with "Kingsroe". She was the most perfect

R&B Blues singer they could have found. Her husband Richard Seigel doing the sound for Nightshift completed the

band.

Thru the years of playing on the Westbank and the New Orleans area,

Mike was approached by the band Burgundy who at the time were split up and were trying to get a new band back

together. Mike and Wendy joined forces with Burgundy and things really changed. As a horn band and two great

female singers, Wendy Seigel and Wanda Marcaise. The band was very versatile in all types of music. With

keyboardist and singer Ray Marcaise, drummer and singer Ronnie Ausement, bass and singer Billy Jackquillard,

trumpet and singer Danny Roberts, Saxophonist Billy Haydin and Mike Campion on Guitar. On sound board and

lights Richard Seigel and Eric Zerainnque and Earl Boaz equipment.

As everybody knows, Burgundy played many weddings, Mardi Gras

balls, cruise lines conventions, casinos, nightclubs and private parties.

Burgundy was always willing to play for charitable organizations giving friends a helping hand. Burgundy is the

longest reigning band on the Westbank. The band was inducted into the La. Music Hall of fame in 2003.

Mike was with Burgundy for ten years playing guitar and setting up the band for all functions. Mike also worked with

the Paul McCartney tour helping set up their equipment when he played in the Superdome.

Equipment Mike uses, Guitars, Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster, Paul Reed Smith, Fender Twin Reverb,

Rolland Jazz chorus 120 and a Marshall JCM 2000 triple lead.

Bands Mike played and sat in with are the Golden Souls, Steve McCour Band, Oliver Morgan, Charles and Cyril

Neville, Ernie K Doe, Tommy Ridgely, Marva Wright, Frankie Ford, Topcats, Kingsroe, Billy Fayard Band, Herman

Ernst and the Survivors, After Dark, The Wildcard Band, Alley Cats, Strickly Business, Jericho Blues Band, Nightshift

and Burgundy.

Mike, has been married to Bonnie Campion for 29 years, and has three children, Michael Jr, Ashley and Alicia. With

two grandchildren, Kayla and Tristen Campion, from his son Michael Jr. and his wife Iris Campion. Mike and Bonnie

now reside in Sevierville, Tn. which is close to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.

Mike would like to personally thank Wendy and Richard Seigel for all

their help and support for all the years they were together. Also Ray

Marcaisse and Billy Jacquillard, for all they have taught me musically.

Mike Campion has played music on the Westbank and the New

Orleans area for the past forty years.

Thank you for inducting me into the Westbank Music Hall of Fame

My full name is Michael Raymond Stansbury, known to many fans in South Louisiana as "Mikey" or "Big Mike". I'm

also known as "The Two Sax Man" to many as I can play 2 saxes at one time. (I've won many a

"Gong Show" at lounges with that talent!) I was born October 27, 1952. My dad's name was Harvey and mom's was

Angeline. I have only one brother, Richard. I started playing music in grammar school at Mater Dolorosa on Carrollton

Ave. in New Orleans and continued into high school at De La Salle. After high school, I went to UNO and Delgado

taking many subjects including music and drafting. I've been married to my loving and supporting wife, Ethel, going

on 32 years. She's has patiently accepted the many hours I've spent playing my music and I thank her dearly for that!

We were not blessed with any children; however, we are both animal lovers and presently have 2 cats, Lucky and

Andy, and a fish - Evil; (he jumped out of his bowl, down the drain, but I rescued him before he was

"washed up)!

As for employment, I presently work at LTS Energy, formally Wire Masters, Inc. in Belle Chasse, La. as Inventory

Control Manager. I've been there for 2 years. Prior to that, I was a Business Manager at PHS Industries and a

Production Control Specialist at Prager Inc.

Musically, I've been performing professionally since I was 16 years old. I started playing music at 10 years old, which

totals up to playing music for almost 46 years! My primary instruments are the tenor saxophone and clarinet,

however, 1 also play alto, soprano, and baritone saxes as well as flute and have also dabbled with the trombone.

Although I studied music in high school and college, the greatest influence on my musical career was Mr. Rene'

Netto, a West Bank native. By the way, Rene' plays 8 instruments and has musical memorabilia in the Westwego

Museum on Sala Ave. He took much of his personal time to teach me the technical aspect of music and I owe all my

musical talent and enjoyable times to him. THANK YOU RENE'!

As far as listing bands I've played with and clubs I've played at, this would be way too lengthy to list here.

However, my early career started on the east bank playing Dixieland. My west bank career stated in the mid 70's at

the old "Robert E. Lee" lounge in Marrero with a three piece band - "Del and the Dreamers". Keys and vocals were

handled by Del Reno and the drummer was Keith McKay. I, of course, played 4 instruments those days. Both Del and

Keith are still around, although they have not been playing much lately. Our repertoire was so large - we played, at

the same lounge, 6 to 7 hours every Friday and Saturday for 5 years!

Today, I don't know of many bands out there or any lounges out there who can handle that load. That was just about

the most enjoyable time for me playing music. Although I've had many great gigs and played with many great bands

since then, that was my most memorable. I must also add - that is where I met my wife!

I've played with just about every band and every musician on the West Bank as well as on the East Bank. I've also

performed at just about all clubs west of the Harvey Canal and, in fact, there aren't too many places in South

Louisiana I haven't played. I've performed as far east as Tampa, Florida and over to the west in Corpus Christi,

Texas. I've played wedding, dances, house parties, concerts. Also, I've played all types of music including Dixieland,

swamp pop, country, funk, top 40, Cajun, the 40's, through today, just about everything!

As of this writing I am spotting with different bands as needed. My background makes it fairly easy to "sit in" with just

about any band around.

I want to thank the West Bank Musicians Hall Of Fame committee for inducting me into the West Bank Musician's

Hall Of Fame. It is a great honor and makes all the long hours and hard work worth it

Born in Houma, Louisiana on December 23, 1947, to Nelton,

Sr. and Rona Picou Rodrigue, Nelton Rodrigue Jr. has 3 brothers, Freddie, Russell & Mark & 2 sisters, Sheila &

Pamela.

Nelton graduated in 1965 from South Terrebonne High School. He has been playing music since 1962; Playing tenor,

alto and soprano saxophone along with the flute and clarinet.

Bands Nelton has worked with over the last 46 years, have been Lou Sino & The Bengals, Jimmy Elledge, Eddie

Miller Trio, Black Guidry's Cajun Man Band, Gary T., Wayne Foret, Cotton & The Bo-Weevils, and Sook Sanchez.

While with Lou Sino's band, Nelton was the featured soloist playing 2 saxophones at the same time. He traveled with

Lou's band to Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Tennessee. He also recorded his own album in 1973

(while with the Bengals) named, "Put your arms around Rod Nelton".

During his time with Black Guidry's band, they played many conventions in New Orleans and played for the opening

night of the Aquarium of the Americas. The band also traveled to Shreveport, La., Dallas, Texas and Steamboat

Springs, Colorado.

Traveling many places around the country, Nelton has also traveled many a local venue such as the Ramada Inn,

Sunset Inn, Jolly Inn, Robies Lounge, Sheraton Lounge, Cajun Country Lounge and Jack's Lounge in Houma and

many French Quarter Hotels and Jazz Halls in New Orleans. The Old Scorpio, Fireman's Hall, Suburban Club, C'est

Ci Bon, Tiffin Inn, Moulin Rouge, My Father's Junkyard & Top of the Inn were a few of the Westbank venues Nelton

has entertained local dancers.

Now Nelton is semi-retired as a Master Plumber, having his own business, Rodrigue Plumbing Inc. for the last 29

years.

He has been married to the former Charlene Authement for 43 years and they have raised 2 sons, David and Todd

and have 2 grandsons, Zachary and Quentin. The couple reside in Houma, Louisiana

Born at Algiers General on May 30, 1947, to Nick and Shirley Domaingue Baudean, Nicki Baudean had only one

sister, Donna Kay. Raised in Marrero, Nicki attended West Jefferson High School and received his GED while serving

2 years in the Army.

The Baudeans were your typical down home, hard drinking, card playing, party loving, shipyard dragging, music

loving family who would get together on weekends and holidays. Nick Sr. who was a self-taught, playing by ear

guitarist, always valued a music education. He made sure Nicki had lessons and could read music. So Nicki studied

with Professor Monetta and took private lessons from John Bonvillain, Sr.

At 17, Nicki worked steady as a Union Musician throughout his young life, making his mark in the French Quarter at

places like Chris Owens, Al Hirt's, La Strada, Old Absinthe House, La Pavillion, and Papa Joe's. He was also well

known at such clubs as, The Tahiti, The Bounty, Say-Say, Finally Faye's (with Coctails & Dreams), The Junkyard,

Mel's Villa, Round Table, Celebrity Club and many a wedding and holiday party. He also played bass on, "Pass The

Hatchet" by Roger & the Gypsies. Nicki played music with guys like, Tex Liuzza, Sidney Snow, Lil' Joe Lambert, Skip

Easterling, Earl Stanley, Sal Saledo, Jimmy Cotton, Ricky Hanks, Jake Chimento, Johnny Pennino, Jerry Pekinto,

Johnny and Gregory Arthur.

Nicki and Laura Parks (recently deceased) raised two sons, Nicky and Ellis, both grown now with children of their

own. Nicki died at the young age of 50, but we must believe he's in the Heavenly Hall of Fame with his daddy and

Uncle Dutch, playing his music. Thanks to the efforts of the Hall of Fame, he will never be forgotten.

We thank all the local musicians out there, that may never achieve fame and fortune, but gave us many a memory,

shined many a belt buckle, put a twinkle in our eye, shed a tear to our favorite love song or jitterbug to the latest new

tune

Born and raised on Edna Plantation on LAl across

Bayou Lafrouche from Valentine, Louisiana, Norris Guidroz is the son of Joseph and Edith G. Guidroz; brother of

Richard Guidroz and Mildred G. Andras (both deceased) and Anna Rose Allemand and Eugene Guidroz. "Cotton"

graduated from Lockport High School in 1956 and went to work for Valentine Paper Company.

He started playing guitar at 12 years old and later played bass guitar and keyboard. His first music job in 1956 was

with a band called the, "Bee Bops" which was for a battle of the bands in New Orleans at the Municipal Auditorium.

The "Bee Bops" played at the Round House in Boutte and several places on the Westbank.

Shortly after, he formed his own band, playing

Country, Swamp Pop and Cajun music. Then one day the owner of the Welcome Inn was looking for a band, when

Mr.

Alcee Rodrigue told the owner that "Cotton" had a band. But the band needed a name for the owner to advertise. So

Mr.

Rodrigue suggested to "Cotton" that he call the band,

"Cotton & the Bo Weevils" and the name stuck for 38 years until the band retired in 1995.

Some of the places "Cotton's" band has played are, The

Moulin Rouge, Old Scorpio, American Legion Halls in Houma, Raceland, Lockport, Bayou Black, Lafitte, Marrero and

Westwego, KC Halls in Raceland and Lockport, The Red, White & Blue Lounge in Thibodaux, Sal's Welcome Inn and

Lee Lee's in Raceland, PJ's in Golden Meadow, The Golden Bar in Houma, Rome's in Grand Isle. One of his favorite

places was The Sun Set Inn in Bayou Blue where the band played every Sunday afternoon for 30 years. After retiring

the band, "Cotton" play for about 2 years with Harry Anselmi's band.

In 1962, "Cotton" married Diane Chiasson of Lockport and raised three sons, Norris, Norwood and Richard. The

couple also has 2 grandsons and 4 grand-daughters and 3 step-grandchildren. Also, in 1962,

"Cotton" was drafted in

the Army, serving a year in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he went to work for Avondale Shipyards and then to a

shipyard in Larose. Later he formed his own business of trucking & welding then to building contractor, which he

retired from in 1995. For the last 13 years he has been a truck driver and heavy equipment operator in Lockport for

the Lafourche Parish Council.

Now he passes the time as a one-man band playing for nursing homes in Raceland, Thibodaux and Napoleonville

and making joke CD's. He enjoys listening to the local musicians on the radio doing their thing, while riding his

motorcycle