ALLEN FONTENOT

One of 4 brothers and 3 sisters, Allen Fontenot was born on January 19, 1932, in

Grand Prairie, Louisiana to Adiluse and Elizabeth Saucier Fontenot.

Allen made his I violin from a cigar box, using screen wire for strings and horse

hair with a bow that looked like a bow & arrow. His first real violin came from a Sears & Roebuck catalog. The first

song he learned was a Spanish 2-step by Bob Wills.

He joined the Army at the age of 16 and went to Korea until 1952. He won his first

musical contest in Fort Chaffe, Arkansas and the I" prize was a carton of Camel cigarettes. His I" band was in Ville

Platte, La., called the "American Aces". In 1954, Allen moved to New Orleans and played with,

"Porky & the All Stars". In 1969, he

formed his own band called, "Allen Fontenot & the Country Cajuns" which is still together today. Most of the bands'

gigs were on the West bank at, the Sunrise Inn in Crown Point, Old Fireman's Hall, Keyhole, Bayou Barn, Moulin

Rouge, Scorpio, Country Swing, Robert E. Lee, Four Columns and Westwego Community Center. Allen played the

Alligator Fest for 22 years, the New Orleans Jazz Fest for 36 years, Michauls for 19 years, Cajun Cabin on Bourbon

Street for 16 years and appeared everyday at the New Orleans World's Fair in 1984. In 1974, he opened his own club

called, The Cajun Bandstand and in 1981 he sold it to be able to tour the U.S. and Canada. Allen has played with

Gov. Jimmie Davis, Doug Kershaw, Jimmy C. Newman, John Goodman, Al Hirt, Conway Twitty, Ernest Tubb, Rockin'

Sidney, Al Rapone and Charlie Daniels. He has played for Sheriff Harry Lee, Earl Long, Gov. Edwards, Treen,

Foster, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and George Bush. He also hosted a Cajun radio show on WSHO, KLEB and

WWOZ for about 18 years. The band appeared in the movies, "Hard Times" and "Avenging Force". On TV, on the

programs, Good Morning America, Real People, Austin City Limits, Nice People and a 52 week run on Cox Cable

show, The Country Swing Show. Allen has recorded many an album and single of French and Country Cajun music

and has done commercials for Popeye's Fried Chicken, Raceland Rice, First NBC Bank and Barq's Root Beer.

He has received numerous awards which include, New Orleans Merit Award, Cajun & Country Music, Inc. 's Band of

the Year, Cajun Music Ambassador for the State of Mississippi, honored with Country Cajun Day by the City of

Kenner, received the keys to the City of Westwego, City of New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama and was nominated

twice for a Grammy award.

Allen is 77 years old and resides in River Ridge. He has raised two sons Todd & Martin and has 2 grandchildren,

Sarah and Sabrina. He is semi-retired from music but still active in his income tax consultant business. He thanks

God and all his fans and friends for a very positive 40 plus years in music, hoping that he has encourage many young

musicians to carry on the Cajun and Country tradition

Born on October 27, 1937 to Anthony Joseph and Aline Mae

Wattigney Licata, Tony has one sister, Ramona Ann Hoffman. Raised in Algiers, Tony attended Belleville, Holy Name

of Mary and graduated in 1957 from Behrman High School.

As a young teenager, in the early fifties, Tony played with, "The Syncopaters", a Dixieland Jazz band, lead by

Professor Mineta whom Tony took saxophone lessons. However, Professor Mineta saw that Tony's real talent was in

playing drums. Tony also played with Tony Almarico's All Stars at the Parisian Room on Royal Street. Some of the

members were Murphy Campo, Pee Wee Spitalary and Pete Fountain. Then came the, "4 Penguins" band which

played at Club Forest, The Cotton Club and Club Lucky with Botts Menjatta. During his high school days, he joined a

Rock N' Roll band called, "The Syncopaters" with Frankie Ford, which played for school dances at various locations

throughout the New Orleans area.

Tony played with the Behrman high school marching band, concert band and dance orchestra. He played drums with

the NORD Dixieland band and represented the U.S.A. in 1957 in the Pan American Music Festival in Cuba, Haiti and

the Dominican Republic. The band played on local radio and TV station known as the Voice of the Dominican

Republic. Tony was an original member of,

"The Esquires" which performed numerous locations throughout the surrounding parishes, in Baton Rouge, at Ole

Miss University, Springhill College in Alabama and every Sunday night at the FW on Monroe Street in Gretna. Tony

also played with, "The Deacons" with Lynn Ramagos, Richard Pitre and Floyd Bernard. On occasion, Tony performed

with Red Schroder's Orchestra on the Steamboat Natchez.

Tony has been a musician for over 35 years, primarily as a drummer, but he also has played alto sax. As an advocate

for music education he has fought to maintain music programs in the Orleans Parish public schools. From 1991-1995,

he was president of Edna Karr Magnet High School Band Boosters and helped raise $30,000 for the bands' new

uniforms. He solicited donations for sheet music and instruments for the band and volunteered as chaperone for

music festivals and Mardi Gras parades. He also helped initiate new programs for students with outstanding

accomplishments and re-organized the parent booster club to more efficiently serve the needs of the band and

promote music education.

Tony retired from Entergy in 1990 but has been employed for the last 10 years as an engineer with The Aquarium of

the Americas. Tony and his wife, Nancy, of 42years still reside in Algiers and have raised 2 children Dana and

Anthony Jr. and have 2 grandchildren Dana and Pierre

Born in New Orleans on August 26, 1950 to Bill and Ruth Jaquillard, Billy Jaquillard has one sister, Jan. He was

raised in Marrero and attended St. Joseph the Worker, Vic A. Pitre, Westwego Jr. High and graduated in 1968 from

West Jefferson High School.

While in high school, he joined the "Chandells" playing lead guitar and then, "The Majestics". In 1967, he joined "The

Leaves of Grass". For the next two years, Billy played with

"Delta Mud", "Biraca Diro" and "Wild Honey" as bass and lead guitarist. From 1973 thru 1980, he suspended playing

music while working as a professional race jockey. Then in 1981 he rejoined "The Majestics" as a bass guitarist.

From 1982 till the present time, Bill has been the bass player for the band,

"Burgundy".

Some of the venues Bill has played are, The Sands, The Beaconette, The Boot, The New Orleans Playboy Club, The

Tahiti Club, the Round Table, The Crows Nest and The Lookout House. And local casinos, like Boomtown, the

Treasure Chest, Harrah's, Bally's and The Silver Slipper.

Bill is employed with the Jefferson Parish Public School

System and has been married to the former Angie Cascio for the past 40 years and they have raised one daughter,

Jennifer

Brian J. Klause was born on August 6, 1947 in New Orleans and was raised in Westwego. He is the son of the late

William Klause, Sr. and the late Josephine Chiasson Klause and the brother of John and William Klause. He attended

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, De Le Salle High, LSU in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. He served four years in the

U.S. Navy. He is currently retired from his business, B & K Housemoving, Inc. and resides in Crown Point, Louisiana

with his wife Patricia. Brian is also a permanent deacon with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

As one of the founding members, Brian played piano, organ and synthesizer with the band SKOR. Some of the

venues were: The Sands, The Round Table, The Beaconette, Soul City, Lafitte Grill, Casey's, The Encore and other

French Quarter night clubs as well as many high school dances and college fraternity parties. Brian was inducted into

the Louisiana Hall of Fame in 2005. Also, Brian has directed and accompanied many church choirs throughout the

New Orleans Archdiocese. He has composed and produced many spirit filled song albums as well as inspirational

and religious teaching programs at his home studio

Johnny Fonseca was born on October 21, 1943 in Cut Off, Louisiana to Claude Sr. and Josephine Gautreaux

Fonseca. He had 4 brothers, Ronald, Robert, Larry and Eric and 1 sister Cathy. While still a baby, the family moved

to Houma, where Johnny attended St. Francis De Sales Catholic Convent School, Houma Elementary and Houma Jr.

High schools.

By the time he was six, his father taught him a couple of songs on the accordion and his grandmother taught him the

harmonica. At that time, his father hosted a radio show and had Johnny play for his first big audience standing on top

of a table. He also played his accordion for the nuns at St. Francis De Sales. When Johnny was 13, he learned to

play guitar from Walter Marcel, Jr. and Randall Babin and in turn taught Walter how to play the accordion.

At the age of 19, he joined up with, "The Fugitives" with Herbert Naquin, Willie Daigle, Forest Martin and R.V. Babin,

where he played rhythm guitar and lead vocal. The band played every Saturday night at the Golden Bar in Bayou

Cane.

They also played at Harvey's Cypress Inn in Chackbay, plus all the bayous, Grand Caillou, Little Caillou, Bayou

Delarge, Montegut, Thibodaux and Pierre Part.

After a few years, Johnny quit "The Fugitives" and formed his own band

called, "The Sugar Cane Playboys", whose members were: R.V. Babin, Willie Comeaux, Larry Dantin and Felix

Thibodaux: The band also recorded several songs such as, "Is It True", "Shadow in the Shade", "Run Away Boy",

"Take a Message to My Daughter",

"Le-tet-Fille Cet My Femme (The Little Girl That's My

Wife)", "Le View Agriculteur (The Old Farmer)" and "The More I Think of You".

This band stayed together a few years, then Johnny formed a new band called, "The Cajun Outlaws" and recorded 2

songs,

"Cajun Outlaws" and "Sitting Up There

Looking Pretty". Later his band became known as, "The Stealers" and recorded,

"Carencro", "Christmas Used To Be",

"All I want for Christmas Is You",

"Je Veux

Mon Aller" and "Delaisse". Over the years the band changed members and some of them were, Gene Callahan,

Hartley Dupre, Johnny Comeaux, Te-June Dardar, Oran Thibodaux, Bobby Foret, Whitney Sapia and Johnny's son

Carl.

At one time, Johnny joined L.J. Foret's band backing up Merle Haggard, Mel Tillis and Loretta Lynn when they came

to Houma. Another time he joined,

"Cotton and The Bo Weevils" as a bass player and helped with vocals.

Johnny's last gig was at Loretta Lynn's ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. with band members, Whitney Sapia, Tony

Bergeron, Felix Thibodaux, Ronnie & Bobby Foret and Johnny's son Carl. Johnny passed away on November 21,

1999 at the young age of 56. Johnny was a carpenter by trade and supported his wife, Betty of 36 plus years, and

their 2 children Carl Anthony and Laurie Ann. The couple also have 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2

step great-grandchildren

Curtis Hebert, better know as "CJ" was born on July 22, 1950 to Curtis J. Sr. and Adeline Simoneaux Hebert. He had

one sister, Susan, now deceased. "CJ" was raised in Gretna, attending Gretna #1 & #2, Gretna Jr.

High and graduating from West Jefferson High School in 1968.

He started playing trumpet at age 13 and at the age of 16 made his professional debut with, "The Majestics". "CJ"

played trumpet and sang with, "The Majestics" for 25 years. In 1991, he joined the, "Memory Makers" for 1 year. For

the next 13 years he was lead vocalist with Decca recording artists, "The Fabulous Sparks" and was inducted into the

Louisiana Hall of Fame with the band in 1997. In 1995, he started singing backup vocals with the legendary New

Orleans singer and Grammy award winner Frankie Ford. "CJ" has traveled twice to London, to New York, Florida and

entertained on many cruises with Frankie Ford and is still with the legend today.

"CJ" worked for 10 years with Jefferson Parish Water Dept. and has

spent the last 31 years employed by Gator Supply. He has one daughter, Angie and one grandson Adam. He has

been married for the last 13 years to the former Nancy Gabriel and the couple reside in Marre

The youngest of five children, Dave Guillot was born on July 7, 1939 in New Orleans to Vernon Sr. and Esther Marie

Gaubert Guillot. He had 2 brothers, Vernon Jr. and Aubrey and 2 sisters Ethel and Thelma.

Dave was raised in Westwego attending Our Lady of Prompt Succor elementary and graduated from West Jefferson

High School in 1958.

Dave came from a musical family, with his grandfather Nelson, playing accordion and his father and older brother

playing guitar and Aubrey playing trumpet. At a very young age, he picked up his brother Vernon's guitar, turned it

around (he was left handed) and started playing while listening to the radio. His mother was looking for the radio and

was shocked to find Dave playing the guitar. That was the beginning of a wonderful musical talent!

While attending West Jefferson High School, Dave played with some friends at school functions and parties. Then he

and his friends from West Jeff joined in with guys from Behrman High called, "The Syncopators" and formed, "The

Esquires". The band members consisted of Errol Dauenhauer, James Jackel, Errol and Gary Theriot, Jimmy

Chandler, Buck Baker, Tony Licata and Dave Guillot. Other members that came along through the years were:

Frankie Ford, Eddie Hynes, Henry Guerineau, Lamar Bourgeois, Barry Rodrigue, Tony Monjure, Tony Manale,

Duane Schurb, C.J. Cheramie, and George Baker.

Needless to say, Dave spent most of his musical career of 40 plus years with, "The Esquires".

In 1961, Dave married Harriet T. Valentine and they raised 3 sons, David Jr., Darren and Dean. He also had 6

grandchildren Evynn, Tanner, Cassidy, Anderson, Lauren and Nicole. Dave worked in the insurance industry for 33

years. He retired after being diagnosed with Mesotheoloma and passed away on September 25, 1998.

Dave will always be remembered for the wonderful talent God gave

him and if there's a band in heaven, you can bet Dave's up there strumming his golden guitar!

Accepting the certificate of induction for Dave Guillot is his brother

Aubrey Guillot who was at his brother's side throughout his life

Don Villemez was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 2, 1949, the only

child of Ralph and Velma Villemez. Growing up in Marrero, he attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School,

Archbishop Shaw High School and LSUNO in New Orleans.

Don's first public appearance with a band was with, "The Castillians" on April 10, 1965, at the St. Andrews Talent

Show, where they took 1" place. Don began playing guitar and singing lead vocals, and "The Castillians" played

many teenage dances for Marrero Jr. High, Christ the King, Immaculate Conception, Immaculata, and Our Lady of

Prompt Succor CYO dances. He later began concentrating on vocals and joined the "Del Fi's" where they played

many dances, parties and continued on at Valencia, the YMBC Hall, The Rath Skeller, Archbishop Blenk and

numerous Tulane and Loyola frat and sorority parties.

In 1967, Donald joined "The Majestics" which was one of the most popular bands in the area. Including the above

venues mentioned, the band played at the Gretna KC, VFW, Irish Channel Recreation Club, Clem's Pavillion,

Archbishop Shaw Homecoming, American Legion, Hullabaloo, St. Joseph's, Southeastern and many weddings. Don

also appeared with other bands including, "Soul Generation", "Kings Row", "Breakfast" and "The Blue Stars". He was

in two other bands, which played extensively at the Tahiti Club, the Round Table and Crash Landing, named,

"Chance" and "Red Clay".

For 20 years prior to moving to the Houston area in 2007, Don had been with the Herb Tassin Orchestra, performing

at numerous weddings and conventions and has had the opportunity of working with some of the finest musicians in

the New Orleans area. Over the years, Don has performed on venues with Barbara Mandrell, The Temptations,

Travis Tritt, The Four Lads, The Four Freshman, The Stylistics, "Frogman" Henry, Ernie K-Doe, Benny Spellman,

Helen Reddy, Peter Noone, Danny Gans and his personal favorite, Morgus the Magnificent and Chopsley.

He now resides in Katy, Texas with his wife of 39 years, the former

Sheryn Trahan and his son Donnie and daughter Kristen

Born in New Orleans on October 9, 1948 to Gaston Sr. and Hazel

Leonard Guidry, having one sister Cindy, "Schmoo" was raised in Marrero and attend Marrero Middle and West

Jefferson High School, graduating in 1968.

He started playing guitar at the age of 13 and then played the bass guitar at 15 with his father's band, "Green Valley

Playboys". At the age of 16, he formed a band called, "Wine" and played for CYO dances and at the WEGO Country

Opera.

"Schmoo" played with the house band at the WEGO Country Opera

from the start to the end; opening for such performers as Tex Ritter, Loretta Lynn, Porter Wagner, Dolly Parton, David

Houston, Conway Twitty, Tanya Tucker and many more.

Some of the bands he played with are: "Wisdom", "Chevelles",

"Honey Island Band",

"Skeeter and the Goose Bayou Band',Southern

Image" and currently playing with the "Red River Band". And performed with such musicians as: Wayne Foret, Aaron

Foret, Roland Stone,

"Skeeter" Thomassie, Johnny Cacibauda, Jules Gaspard, Huey Bourgeois, Jr. Lacrosse, Ronnie Boudreaux, Don

Burdette, Harold Cavalier, Kent "Rooster" Leonard, Donald Champagne, Wayne Brown, Red LeBlanc, Tommy White,

Don Duthu, Dennis Rivet, just to name a few.

Playing in such places as the Keyhole, Fireman's Hall, College Inn,

The Stagecoach, Moulin Rouge, My Father's Junkyard, Old Scorpio, Lafitte Tavern, Callais' Channel 5 in Golden

Meadow, American Legion, VFW and Lions Club halls throughout the New Orleans area.

Gaston has been married to the former Lynn Camardelle and have

raised 2 sons Todd and Chris and have 5 grandchildren

Glenn Gros is the son of Mildred and Steve Gros, Sr., born on September 16, 1955. He was raised in Westwego

along with his two brothers, Allen and Steve Gros, Jr. He attended Westwego Elementary and Worley Jr. High and

graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1974.

Glenn first started playing guitar publicly at the age of 12 with his brothers as a family band. By 16, he was playing

with Speedy Couto doing benefit shows and fund raisers. From there, he graduated to a regular gig, playing six nights

a week at the Moulin Rouge. As his career progressed, he moved on to play with Stanley Martin and the Starlighters

for the next two years. At the age of 19, he started playing with Skeeter Thomassie, going from club to club

throughout the area. He was also fortunate to play the next 12 years with Wayne Foret and the Rockin' Fifties, as a

bass guitarist. Glenn has mostly retired from playing music, but still still sits in with various groups on special

occasions. Glenn's love of music came from his father who also played guitar. After years of performing, his love of

music has enriched not only his life, but the lives of those fortunate to hear him play.

Glenn has been married to the former Cathy Guillot,

from Gretna, for the past 35 years and the have one daughter, Lennnia, and one grandson Brad. Glenn and his family

live in Gretna and has been an employee of the Jefferson Parish School Board for the past 32 years and is planning

to retire next year

Herb Tassin was born on June 8, 1931, in Westwego, Louisiana to Herbert Sr. and Bernadette Tassin. He has 3

siblings, Robert, Joann and Jeane all deceased.

Herb attended Westwego High School and earned his GED in the military, where he was a member of the 10"

Infantry Marine Band and the 264" Army band.

After the military, he entered Southeastern in Hammond where he received a Bachelor degree in Music Education in

1959. He also attended Loyola University, Louisiana State and University of New Orleans and in 1971 achieved a

Masters degree in Music Education. He also played minor league baseball for three years in Waycross, Ga.,

Albuquerque, N.M. and Thibodaux, Louisiana. He taught school at Port Sulphur High, West Jefferson High and many

schools in Orleans Parish.

Herb has been a professional musician for 60 years playing trumpet and flugel horn. He played with bands of Rene

Louapre locally and traveled with Tex Beneke and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, with Russ Morgan's band, Cab

Callaway and Johnny Long's bands. He played in Las Vegas with,

"The Tribesmen" at the

Stardust Hotel and several other hotels in Reno. He was the band leader for Pete Fountain at the Reunion Hall during

the World's Fair in New Orleans. Played a 5 year engagement at the Blue Room of the Fairmont Hotel from 1984 to

1989 and conducted for many major entertainers during that time. He contracted musicians and played for Natalie

Cole, Ray Charles, The Four Freshmen, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett and many others. In 1990 and 1992, his band

played at the Intercontinental Hotel in Rio de Janeiro Brazil and the Maksoud Plaza in Sao Palo Brazil. In 2002, he

played a 2 week engagement at the South Hampton Princess Hotel in Bermuda and in 2004 played the Biltmore

Hotel in White Silver Sands in West Virginia. Herb's jazz group played for Carnival Cruise lines, while in port, each

Friday and Sunday afternoons from 1999 till 2005.

Herb is still active, providing music for conventions, wedding ceremonies, receptions and the Mardi Gras balls of Iris,

Janus and Babylon. With the exception of weddings and most conventions, all engagements are with his 13 piece

band.

Herb has been married 49 years to Donna Watts Tassin and they have raised

3 children, Herb III, Joel and Jeff and have 1 grandson Zachary age 5. The couple reside in Harvey

The only child of Daniel Lee and Lela Hamilton Chandler, Jimmy Chandler was

born on February 11, 1939 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After his father's death, his mother Lela moved to New

Orleans to continue working for Greyhound Lines. Jimmy's free bus fare allowed him to visit his mother quite often.

When he moved to New Orleans, Jimmy attended McDonough #14, Wright Jr. High and graduated from Fortier High

in 1957.

Jimmy went to work for NOPSI in 1957 and retired in 1996 after 39 years of service. He returned to NOPSI for an

additional 6 years as a consultant for customer relations training.

Jimmy has been a musician for 56 plus years, playing a 57' Electric Fender, an upright bass and a little piano during

that time. He started in 1954 with the, "Bel-Airs" then the "Imperials". Then for 24 years from 1956 thru 1980, he

played with the Westbank's premier band, "The Esquires". Along with playing many weddings, parties and club

dances, the band kept many a Westbank teenager from Holy Name of Mary, Behrman, West Jefferson High and

other schools in the area, dancing every Sunday night at the FW on Monroe St. in Gretna. For more info on "The

Esquires" you can visit www.bigeasystreetsounds.tripod.com website.

Jimmy also played gigs with many notable musicians as, Pete Fountain, Art Ryder, Frankie Ford, Dr. John, Al Hirt,

Charlie Miller, Allen Collay, Tijonne Reyes, Bobby Mitchell, Irma Thomas, Ernie K-doe, Jerry Byrne, "Frogman" Henry

Jessie Hill, Al Johnson, Joe Barry, Freddie Fender, Al Jackson, The Sparks, Tommy Ridgeley, Huey "Piano" Smith,

Danny White, Edgar Blanchard, Richie Ladner, Roy "Big Daddy" Wagner, Roland Stone, Jimmy LaRocca, Harry

Connick Sr., John Fred, Jimmy Elledge, Bobby Lonero, Bobby Ellis, Jimmy Cotton, Al Dressel, David Cook, Tim

Weller, Paul Walters, Bobby Blanc, Art Sevin, Billy Bell and many more.

He has been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame on three different occasions; the first in 1997 with the

"Sparks", second in 2000 with the "Esquires" and in 2004 with "Billy Bell and the Dominoes".

Although he is officially retired from the weekend club circuit, Jimmy still plays

an occasional benefit, Christmas dance, Irish, Italian or Mardi Gras parade, with Art Ryder and Pete Fountain.

In 1960, Jimmy married the former Betty Jane O'Brien and they raised 3 children, Jim Jr., Robert and Kim. After

Hurricane Katrina, Jimmy moved to Mandeville and spends most of his time with his family and 5 grandchildren

"Jimbo" Martin was born on July 19, 1950 to Robert and Rose Martin, having one brother Robert Jr., and 3 sisters,

Melanie, Ginny and Maria. The Martin family has a long history in Westwego. His grandfather Frank had the Shoe

Shop and his Uncle Ed Martin had the Seafood business on historical Sala Avenue. Jimmy attended Our Lady of

Prompt Succor, Westwego Elementary and Jr. High, graduated from Jesuit High and completed his Accounting

degrees at the University of New Orleans.

"Jimbo" has been playing music since the age of 13. It was during an 8th

grade talent show at Westwego Jr. High that Jim and some of his classmates entered the show and played some

Beatles' songs. Shortly after, they formed the band, "The Meteors", whose first job was playing an 8th grade dance in

the gym.

Shortly thereafter, he was invited to play sax with, "The Majestics", whose members were, Chip Mahl, Don Sylver, Bill

Klause and Bobby West. Over the years, other members of the band were, Leon "Beaver" d'Aquin, C.J. Hebert,

Calvin Gaudin, Donald Barrios, Billy Thompston,

"Turkey" Bordelon, Jimmy Boudreaux;

Donald Villemez,

"Yogi" Ullirich, "Val" Lafante, Ray Barry, Kenny & Peggy

Johansen, Ronnie Falgout, Billy Jaquillard, Steve Marcour, Joe Brocotta, Jerry Cambre, Bobby Delle, and Phil Reed.

The band played many weddings and parties but could always be found on Sunday nights on Monroe Street in

Gretna at the VFW taking over where "The Esquires" left off and at The Sands on Friday Nights.

Jim took time off music to fulfill his tour in the Navy and complete his studies. Upon returning to the Westbank, he

continued to play with "The Majestics" till 1986. He then worked with a show group called, "The Board of Directors"

and later worked with Donald Villemez in the stage group called, "The Blue Stars".

From 1990 till the present time, Jim has been playing sax and keyboard with a local group called, "Oak Alley".

All total, "Jimbo" has been playing music for over 45 years and with the exception of a few newer venues around

town, he has played most places on both the East and West bank sides of the Mississippi River.

Jim has been working as a CPA on the Westbank since August of 1981. In 1971, he married Charline "Charley"

Estopinal and they have raised two children, a son James Jr. and daughter Jeanne Marie. Additionally, they helped

raise Leon James and William Miller. The couple currently resides in Woodland West subdivision in Harvey

Born on December 27, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Lamar P.

Sr. and Velma Millet Bourgeois, Lamar Bourgeois, Jr. has 2 sisters, Carol, Kathleen and 1 brother, Lynn (deceased).

As a small boy he lived in Gretna, but grew up in the Broadway area of New Orleans, where he attended Audubon

Elementary, Wright Jr. High and graduated from Fortier High in 1959.

In 1957, Lamar started his first band called "The Matadors" whose

original members included, Johnny DeFraites on drums, Mickey Tureaud on guitar, Everett Link on bass, Jerry

Jumonville on sax and Frank Humbrecht on baritone sax (deceased). Then in 1961, the band played a 2 year stretch

at the Golden Room on Monroe Street in Gretna.

During that period, various musicians like Eddie Hynes, "Boo" Hargis,

"Butsie" Cuquet and Mac Rebennack a/k/a Dr. John, played in the band.

Lamar joined "The Esquires" in 1963 and spent the next 24 years as their lead singer.

During their long reign as the Westbank's premier band, "The Esquires" played numerous weddings, parties and club

dances at various KC, VFW, American Legion Halls, yacht clubs, country clubs and civic centers in Orleans,

Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemine Parishes.

And as every Westbank teenager at that time knew, "The Esquires" could be found every Sunday night at the FW on

Monroe Street in Gretna. In 1992, the band played at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Members of the band got together and played several "reunion" dances and was the featured band at one of the

NOMAA dances. In 2000, "The Esquires" were inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame.

Besides being on the music scene for over 30 years, Lamar retired from Pellerin Milnor Corporation in Kenner with 40

years of service. He has been married to the former Dianne Geraci for 48 years and they have raised 3 children,

Lamar III, Donna and Suzanne. Lamar and Dianne have 6 grandchildren and reside in Metairie, Louisiana

"Beaver" was born on December 19, 1948 in Marrero, Louisiana in the house where he was raised on Avenue A with

his brothers, Tommy, Alfred, Clifton, Robert and Gerald. He is the youngest son of the late Thomas Leon and Essie

Thomassie d' Aquin.

His interest in music was sparked in grammar school at Immaculate Conception in Marrero where he joined Father

Arbazoo's Accordion Band. In his early teens he had his first opportunity to sing on stage when sitting in with "The

Esquires" at one of the Sunday night FW dances in Gretna. From there he was invited to sing with "The Diplomats"

which was started by his friend Jimmy Boudreaux. The band played the local CYO dance circuit. Then "Beaver" and

Jimmy were invited to join "The Majestics", a nine piece horn band started by

"Jimbo" Martin. "The Majestics" played regularly at Clem's Palladium in Westwego and took over the Sunday night

spot from

"The Esquires" at the VFW.

In 1967, only 3 days after graduating from Archbishop Shaw, he left for active duty with the U.S. Navy Seabees which

included a tour of duty in Vietnam. When he returned in 1969, he married the former Janie Alello and they have

raised 2 boys Lee and Jimmy and he also resumed his music career with "The Majestics". Over the next 2 decades

he also sang with "The Casa Dells", "The Bob Gray Group",

"Special Delivery" and "Esplanade". During this time, he played most of the ball rooms and banquet rooms in the New

Orleans area. In the mid 1980's, he retired from music to focus on a career with the U.S.

Postal Service, where he served as a Carrier Clerk, Supervisor of Mails and Delivery, Superintendent of Postal

Operations and 2 Postmaster Appointments before he retired in 2004.

Since retiring, he has returned to the music business as "Uncle Beaver", where he plays in various venues in

Louisiana, Arizona and South Dakota, while traveling with his wife Janie. He uses a 16-track sequencer keyboard as

a back-up.

"I've been extremely fortunate to

work with so many excellent musicians throughout my music career

Born on September 6, 1958, to Maximillion Sr., and Peggy Ann Doyle Tybussek, "Maxie Jr." has one brother named

Danny. He was raised in Gretna and attended Gretna Park Elementary, Helen Cox and West Jefferson High Schools.

He plays drums, saxophone, bass and lead guitar. For the last 30 years he has been the lead singer for the band,

"Tricks", which for the last 5 years have played at O'Charley's CaddyShack.

In his 30 year career with "Tricks",

"Maxie" has played all over

Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Florida and Texas too many to mention here. But some of the Westbank venues are:

the E.M. Club, CPO Club in Belle Chasse, Tchoupitoulas Plantation in Waggaman, Celebrity Club, St. John Bosco

Fair and Stonebridge Country Club in Harvey, Impressions, Finish Line, Bangle West, Fat Cat Club and Christ the

King Fair in Gretna, Truck Stop in Avondale and English Turn Country Club in Algiers. In 1984, the band played in the

Hurricane Saloon for the World's Fair. This band has played from New Orleans, Alexandria, Morgan City, Grand Isle,

Kenner, Slidell, Lafayette, Shreveport, Belle Chasse, Covington, Chalmette, Baton Rouge, Buras, Thibodaux,

Metairie, Laplace and Hammond, Louisiana, from Miami, Panama City, Orlando and Destin, Florida, from Biloxi,

Gulfport, Picayune, Jackson and Oxford, MS., to Memphis, TN. and Houston, Dallas and Kaleen, Texas.

"Maxie" presently lives in Terrytown and has raised two children, Jennifer and Anthony Ill and has one grandchild

Skylar Grace

Born on February 26, 1961, to William Anthony Sr. and Virgin Mary Allemand Clements, Mike Clements was one of 8

children. He was raised on Francis Street in Marrero along with his brothers, William Anthony Jr. and Edward and

sisters Darell, Annette, Darnell, Caroline and Darlene. He attended Marrero Middle, West Jefferson High and

graduated in 1979 from John Ehret High School.

Mike's father was musician, playing drums and piano. At the age of 13, Mike began playing drums in different clubs

with his uncles Junior, Bill and Auggie Clements. For the last 26 years, Mike has been playing bass.

Mike has played with numerous fellow musicians like Ronnie Boudreaux, Wayne Foret, Duane Schurb, Aaron Foret

and in such bands as, Creole Soul, Alleycats, Rue Garue, Strictly Business, The Waybacks, Southern Nights,

Country Swingers and Brad Sapia and the Rockin' Oldies. He was also a member of the New Orleans Musicians

Alumni Association.

He's played all over Southern Louisiana and most all of the local venues as, Old Scorpio, Old Fireman's Hall, The

Keyhole, Junkyard, Simon Says, Mel's Villa, Fat Cat, Moulin Rouge and Brad's and Lou's Sports Bar in Chalmette.

Mike has raised 4 children, Christy, Ashley, Michael Jr., and Steven, from his first marriage to Deborah Burregi. He

has been married to the former Samantha Vincent for the past 9 years and they have 1 son Joey and Mike also has 2

step children Amanda and Tabatha and 3 grandchildren, Keeley, Haley and Madison.

Mike has been co-owner of Magnum Outboard Company sales and service in Harvey for the past 19 years. He and

his family still live on Francis St. in Marrero

Richard Brown was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, January 27, 1933 to Joseph Stewart and Mary Louise Vincent

Brown. He has / brother, Robert and 3 half-brothers, J. Frank, Stewart and Buster and 1 half-sister June. He attended

Plaquemine Elementary, Plaquemine High and St. John High Schools. His musical career started 61 years ago when

he played drums and sang in a band and played drums in the high school marching band at age 15.

In 1953, Richard married Thelma Marie Sanchez and raised 5

children, Richard Jr., Pamela, Patricia, Mary and Joseph.

Richard's and his family moved to Marrero in 1954. He played music all over Louisiana, playing with Andrew

Blanchard in the

"Country Gentlemen", Norman Naquin in the "Country Boys" Alvin Lovel in "The Trio", Woody Pratter in "The

Cowboys", Jerry Reins in the "St. Claude Boys", Louis Millet in the "Melody Ramblers", Johnny Cambre in the

"Gonzales Playboys", Curley Langly in the

"Magazine Boys", and Keith Lamer in the "Cajun Band". He played behind several big stars like Ernest Tubb, Norman

Wade, Lefty Frizzell and B.J. Thomas. Locally, he played with Dudley Vicknair Sr. and Jr..., Norman Naquin, Edwin

Lee, Clyde Jentry, Ray Angel, Jules Gaspard, Mel Oliver, Skeeter Thomassie, Timmy Naquin, Huey Bourgeois,

Jimmy Trahan and Johnny Comeaux.

Richard has played in countless nightclubs, taverns and dance

halls like the Red, White & Blue and Johnny's in Thibodaux, Baronna's in Plaquemine, American Legion Hall in Baton

Rouge, Bon Joir in Pierre Part, Airline Motors and the Snake Farm in Laplace, the Moulin Rouge, Last Roundup, Bay

Paris' Canal Bank Inn, Fireman's Hall, Keyhole and Swamp Inn on the Westbank.

In 2000, Richard retired from Joe Ewell Food Brokerage with 47 years of service. He's been married to the former

Judy Arceneaux for the past 33 years and have raised 6 children; Richard, Tammy, Wayne & Dwayne, Kevin and

Cynthia. Two of his sons and one grandson have inherited his love and talent for playing drums. He has a total of 11

children, 32 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and resides in Marrero

"Roach" was born on September 14, 1936 in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, to Edwin "Topp" and Carrie Lathrop

Cheramie. He has 3 sisters, Bernice, Tommey and Mildred (deceased) and 1 brother, Edward.

He attended schools in Golden Meadow and graduated from the University of Wisconsin.

"Roach" has been singing and playing music for over 30 years.

Some of the venues he's played in that time are in Dulac with D.L.

Menard, at the Grand Isle Redfish Rodeo, for the Grand Isle fair, the Lockport fair, Larose Civic Center, with Horace

Trahan in Eunice for Mardi Gras, Lafourche Chamber for Grand Isle boat races, CFMA festival, Golden Meadow

parades and blessing of the fleet, at Nicholls State University, Casino Magic in Bay St. Louis, Liberty Theatre in

Eunice, for the Patterson Red Hat Club, with "Treater" at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, Grand Bois Music

Festival, at Terrebonne Library in Houma, for the elementary and middle schools in Chauvin, Galliano and Golden

Meadow, with Jean Savoie at the Four Columns in Harvey, with Balfa Toujours in New Orleans.

Roland Cheramie has been a native and life long resident of Golden

Meadow. He retired from the U.S. Post Office with over 29 years of service. He has 1 daughter, Rhonda Cheramie

Billiot, and 3 sons, Raleigh, Reed and Roland "Tee-Cajun" Cheramie and has 5 grandchildren

Royce is a native of Terrebonne parish and a life long resident of lower Lafourche Parish, residing in Larose,

Louisiana. He grew up in a Cajun French speaking home, speaking his native tongue to his parents, grandparents

and relatives. He attended Cut Off Elementary and Larose-Cut Off High Schools. His favorite love as a child was

listening to Cajun and Louisiana music and also the old classics of country music. Music was always an enjoyable

part of his life.

In the mid 1960's, Royce joined in with his musician friend and family to sing in their jam sessions and parties. It was

then he was told by his wife's uncle that he had a good singing voice and should pursue it further. So he kept singing

with his friends, helping out at benefits and fund raisers.

In January 1990, Royce along with two of his friends, Clyde Hartman and Marty Cortez, formed the, "Lafourche Cajun

Band" and started performing to small local crowds and clubs. The band is now performing to very large crowds all

over the Southern part of the United States. Royce also performed with many other know bands as a vocalist and

bass guitar player. He is also a songwriter, writing most of the songs he has recorded and has written songs for Vin

Bruce.

Some of his songs include, "A Rose For Mama", "Till the End of Time", "Alone and Broken Hearted", Pointe Au

Sausise",

"Hurricane of 1893", "Cajun Du Bayou" and many more. "A Rose For Mama" was nominated for song of the year by

the Cajun French Music Association in 1997. And in 1994 "Cajun Du Bayou" which was recorded by Vin Bruce, won

the Heritage Award.

Royce's music was inspired by musicians such as Vin Bruce, L. J.

Foret, Dudley Bernard and Hank Williams.

Royce was a Maritime and accident investigator for 22 years. He is married to the former Judy Hayes and together

they have three boys, Dwayne, Darrin & Danny. They also have 4 grandchildren and two step-grandchildren