ALLEN JOHN GROS

Allen John Gros is the son of Mildred and the late Steve Gros, Sr. Born on March 1 1951; Allen was raised in

Westwego, along with his 2 brothers, Glen and Steve.

Allen attended Labadieville Elementary, Worley Jr. High and graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1970.

With the love of music as a child, Allen first started playing guitar publicly at the age of 10 with his dad and brothers

as a family band. By age 21, he was playing with,

"The Four Cousins", "Boogie King" and with Speedy Couto doing benefit shows for fundraisers. From there, Allen

played in various clubs around the area such as, The Rainbow Inn, Lake Inn, Bon Chaw, and Leo's Place.

Allen's love of music came from his father, who also played guitar. As he learned more, Allen eventually graduated to

playing rhythm guitar. When asked, Allen will tell you he has retired from playing music and now enjoys his second

passion, hunting.

Allen worked as a reserve police office with the Westwego Police Department for 28 years and was employed with

Boh Brothers for 33 years. Retiring in 2007, he currently works for Damon's L.L.C. which is owned and operated by

his son-in-law, Damon Roy.

Still living in Westwego, Allen has been married to the former Alicia Stefanow for the past 37 years. The couple has

one daughter Alisa and 2 grandchildren, Alea and MattheW

Born on August 11, 1950, to Ruth and Francis Dirmann, Allyn Robinson has one sister, Bernice and one brother,

Eddie. He was raised in Chalmette and graduated from Chalmette High in 1968.

Allyn has been a working drummer for 44 years plus since 1966. In the late 1960's he played at the Cellar Club in

Gretna. He's also been lucky enough to have worked with some of the New Orleans' legends as Professor Longhair,

Ernie K-Doe, Eddie Bo, Frankie Ford, Irma Thomas and Robert Parker. At the age of 20, he joined Wayne Cochran's

band and recorded for Epic Records at Columbia Studios in San Francisco. The band played at a place called

Keystone Berkley where a local band opened for them. This little local band was "Tower of Power". The Wayne

Cochran band backed up Jerry Lee Lewis on the television show Midnight Special & many other TV shows. And also

did 15 weeks a year in Las Vegas.

Allyn set aside his musical career for the next 15 years to raise a family. During that time, Allyn teamed up with

Charles Brent, Luther Kent, former horn players with Wayne Cochran's band and David Lee Watson, to form the

band, "Luther Kent & Trick Bag". In between those years, he also established himself as a first class sub working an

assortment of gigs from society dances and balls to the Bourbon Street grind.

During the 1970's and 1980's while living in Algiers Point (for 19 years, Allyn worked with several bands at several

Westbank locations, such as, The Round Table, Down the Hatch, Celebrity Club, Old Man Rivers, Mudbugs with the

band

"Evangeline", Old Point Bar, The Drydock and recorded at Word of Mouth Studios in Algiers.

In the early 1990's, Allyn was asked to do some world tours with Dr. Hook, featuring Ray Sawyer and JP Fitting, Rick

Boyd, and Peter Hanson. This really gave Allyn the road fever and soon after he joined Houma born blues man Tab

Benoit. He toured and recorded with Tab Benoit for 6 years. In 2000, he returned to New Orleans to re-establish his

roots and got back into the local scene with some occasional road trips.

Unfortunately in 2005, Allyn's house was flooded with 20ft. of water during Hurricane Katrina and lost all of his earthly

possessions. After almost 3 years of frustrating procedures and paperwork, he finally was able to move on with his

life. He continues to free lance and record with musical artists and still does an occasional road trip. And for the last 8

years, Allyn has also been a private chef.

Allyn has raised two sons Eloy and John Robinson and has two grand-

daughters, Alexis and Amber. He currently resides in Gretna, Louisiana

Born on December 6, 1934, in Picayune, Mississippi, to James Louis and Polly Dillard Varnado, Bobby L. Varnado

has 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

He attended Picayune Elementary and Picayune High School.

Bobby was a musician for 31 years playing rhythm guitar, bass and

drums. He learned his trade from his brothers Eddie and Charles Varnado, who had a radio show on WRJ, six days a

week at 6 am in Picayune.

In 1950, he came to New Orleans and played upright bass for,

"Eddie & The Southern Playboys" at the Silver Star Nightclub, for about 8 months. He then came to the Westbank

and worked with "Red" Cross at Speck's Moulin Rouge on 4" street in Marrero. He also played several clubs down

river in Port Sulphur and Venice.

In late 1950, he played rhythm and was lead vocal at the Last Roundup with Toxie Baughman and Raymond

Pellegrin. After leaving the Last Roundup, he went to Mary's Tavern on Magazine St. in New Orleans, with Walter

Bennett and Sidney Brady. They had a 1 hour live radio show from the club every Thursday night on WWEZ. Bobby

played there until he was drafted into the Army in 1957.

Back home in 1959, after his tour in the Army, Bobby played electric

bass for "Blackie" Park's band at the 509 Club in Algiers.

Then Toxie Baughman contacted him again to come work with him at The Old Fireman's Hall owned by Margie &

"Slick" Treadaway. The band was called, "Sunset Rhythmaires", which included, Bobby, Toxie, Angelo Costa, Harold

Guidry and Johnny Savoie.

Bobby retired from music in 1983 except for an occasional "sit-in" job for someone who needed off. He also retired

from Avondale Shipyards, Inc. in 1997, with 35 years of service.

He has been married to his wife Shirley for 52 years and had 2 sons,

one deceased. They also have 2 grand daughters and 1 great-grand daughter and have resided in Avondale,

Louisiana for the last 46 years

Born on October 14, 1955 to Susan and Herman Abadie of Westwego, Louisiana, Bonnie has 1 sister, Ruby and 3

brothers, Stephen, Mitchell and Al (deceased). She attended L. W. Higgins High and Delgado Community College.

As a small child, around the age of 7, Bonnie loved to watch her

brother Steve play his guitar. And while he was at work, she would mimic his finger movements and taught herself to

play the guitar.

During high school, she learned to play the trumpet and joined the school band. She continued to play the guitar and

won several talent show competitions.

Her professional music career on the Westbank began at age

18, playing with local bands as a singer and guitar player. She became lead singer for the band, "Mahogany" which

formed in 1985.

The band performed weekly at the 1801 Club in Gretna, in addition to dances, festivals and weddings across the

South and North Shore areas. When "Mahogany" disbanded, she later sang with a band called, "Square One". In

1996, she took a computer course at West Jefferson LA Technical College and became a one-woman ensemble

named, "Chez Bonne", using a laptop, sound converter box, music files and electric guitar. She sang for several

years at local bars around the Greater New Orleans area. One of the highlights of her career was volunteering to

perform at the Jefferson Parish Public School Extended School Year Program where she spent many summers

playing for special education, middle and high school student at 4" of July parties and end of the school year

celebrations.

Bonnie has raised two children, Renee Lynn and Brian Anthony and is a proud "Gran" of 4 grandchildren. Bonnie

presently resides in Harvey

Brent Ford was born in Raceland, Louisiana, to Richard Sr. and Lula Mae Hebert Ford. He has four brothers, Chris,

Richard Jr., Danny and Chad Ford. His family moved to Marrero when he was 5 years old. There he attended

Marrero Middle and John Martyn High School in New Orleans.

His first job as a drummer, at the age of 14, was in Des Allemands, Louisiana at the Simple Inn with, "Carl and The

Bayou Playboys". He then got hired by Johnny Nobles to play at The Scorpio and stayed there for about 6 years.

During that time he played with Tommy Lee, Earl Ortego, Curly Langely, Phil Meeks, Norman Wade, Jimmy Trahan,

Fats Domino, Jr., Russ Russell, and Sonny Bee just to name a few. Then he played at Bronco's in Gretna with

Freddie Fender. After that he moved on to Theriot's Club in Belle Chasse, where he played with Dave Adams, Gary

Allemand and Phil Meeks.

Brent put a band together with Buddy Franks, Allen Hebert, Allen Pittman, C.J. Chaisson and Bobby Minjarez and

played at Hee Haw's in Harvey for about 8 years.

After being an active drummer for 25 years plus, Brent has since moved to being a supervisor on an offshore

platform.

Brent has one son, Brent Jr. and two grandsons,

Duston and Drey

Born in Morgan City, Louisiana on August 5, 1962

to Richard Ford, Sr. and Lula Mae Hebert Ford, Chris Ford has 4 brothers, Brent, Danny, Richard Jr. and Chad. The

family moved to Marrero when Chris was / year old. There he attended school at Marrero Middle and John Martyn.

He started playing drums at the young age of 15 at the Old Scorpio Lounge in Marrero. Then went on to play with

some of the finest local musicians as: Jules Gaspard, Tommy Lee, Earl Ortego, Jimmy Trahan, Dave Adams, Ray

Freeman, Lady Ray, Buddy Franks, Norman Wade, Bob Allen, Dudley Vicknair, Jr., Jerry Boudoin, Phil Meeks, Ray

Freeman, Big Bobby Vedros, Tubby Plaisance and Noel Clark.

Playing almost entirely on the Westbank, Chris played at such dance halls as, The Scorpio, Moulin Rouge, Water

Fall, The Villa, Say-Say, Down the Hatch, Swamp Inn, Canal Bank Inn, Broncos and The New Silver Eagle.

After 30 plus years as a drummer and working in the offshore and construction fields, Chris became disabled in 2008.

He has raised 1 son Shawn and has one grandson Josiah Ford

Clifton Abadie was born on February 26, 1936, to Robert E. and Olivia Ohmer Abadie. He has 3 sisters, Mary Jane,

Beverly and Gloria and 3 brothers, Wilbur, Thomas and Robert, Jr.. He attended school at Westvego Elementary and

Belle Chasse High schools.

Clifton started playing guitar in 1950 at the age of 14 and started out playing with Leroy Champagne's band. He also

played with Allen Fontenot's band, Hagan Schouest band and played with Phillip Alleman for over 30 years. From

1973 to 1979 he was band chairman for the Westwego Civic Center. He played many years at the Bayou Barn with

Wilson Touche's band. Clifton also played many convalescent homes for the elderly and handicapped.

He has played with many a talented musician at various dance halls

such as, The Fireman's Hall, Keyhole, Moulin Rouge, Gay Paris, Scorpio, Big Lane Rendezvous, The Round House,

Betty's Jukebox and Tarzan's just to name a few.

Clifton retired in 1998 as a pipe fitter from the Local 60 and Avondale Shipyards, Inc. He has been married to the

former Catherine Blanchard for 54 years. They have 2 children, Janice and Michael, 8 grandchildren and 11 great-

grandchildren. The couple resides in Westwego

Clifton J. Dufrene was born in Cut Off. Louisiana on March 12, 1940, to Lucy and Harris Dufrene along with 8 sisters

and 6 brothers. He attended Cut Off Elementary and Cut Off High School and after moving to the Westbank at the

age of 15, attended Westwego High School.

At the age of 12, he learned the guitar from his father and Uncle Lawrence and played with his Uncle's band. This

began a long career in music. Besides playing in, "Cliff and the Country Cowboys", many of the bands he played in

didn't have formal names in those days. Other musicians would just call and ask if he wanted to join them to play and

they would get together and play, mostly country music, in different dance halls on the Westbank. Cliff and his rhythm

guitar entertained dancers from 1955 through the 1990's, when he retired from music.

Some of the dance halls Cliff played in were Betty's Music Box, Cross Roads, Lafitte Grill, Moulin Rouge with Jules

Gaspard, Ace's Hoe Down, Starlight Inn, Ajax Bar, Beulah's Bar, Tarzan's Dance Hall, Fireman's Hall, The Key Hole

with C.J. Cheramie, Milton's on the Hill, Silver Eagle, Canal Bank Inn, Swamp Inn, The Raven, Round House, Tiny

Bubbles, A&A Bar, Little Gay Paris' and Jake's Lounge.

In 1960, Cliff married the former Frances Bertucci. They have 3

children, Clifton Jr., Duane and Christy. The couple also have 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He retired

from Jefferson Parish Streets Department in 2007 with 20 years of service. Cliff and his wife Frances reside in

Marrero

Born on October 19, 1934 in Des Allemands, Louisiana, to Jules and Nora Fonseca, Cliff has 2 brothers, Lawrence

and Allen. He was raised in Raceland and attended Raceland Elementary and Raceland High School, graduating in

1953.

Cliff has been playing lead and rhythm guitar for approximately 60

years. With Cliff on lead, his brother Lawrence on rhythm, Harry Guidry and Nacy Dufrene both on fiddles, their 1" job

was at the Hut in Raceland in 1949. They were paid $7.00. Everybody just called them the,

"Fonseca Boys". Then his brother Lawrence formed a band called, "The Melody Cowboys" and their I" job was at a

dance hall in Gheens, which paid $3.00 and a homemade cake. The band played dances at Tony's Rendezvous and

Koman's Beach Haven on Grand Isle, the Lovely Inn in Chenier, Frog Champagne's place in Raceland, also at

Smith's place and Temon Danos' place. After the band broke up Cliff played with Gene Rodrigue band. In the early

50's, he played lead guitar with Joe Barry, Leroy Martin and Jerry Raines. Cliff also played with a Rock-n-Roll band

called, " The Dukes of Rhythm" with Roland Stone and then Joe Carl at the Welcome Inn in Raceland. He also

played rhythm guitar with the Dufrene Brothers. He then formed a band called, "Cliff Fonseca & Company", which

included Stan Cantrelle and Lynn Ramagos. Then came the "Tardo Trio" with Uncle Pott False and Debbie Chiasson.

The last band he played with was Les Domangue's band. Cliff also recorded 4 French songs on the Crazy Cajun

label, 2 instrumental songs on Drew Bland Records and played many a recording session with different artist at

Cosmo Matassa Studio in New Orleans.

Cliff retired from the Lafourche Parish District Attorney's office, but still works fulltime as a public safety officer for

Weiser Security.

He has been married for the last 10 years to the former Claire Rome.

He raised 2 children, has 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

The couple reside in Thibodeaux, Louisiana

Son of Sidney and Josephine Domingue Eschete, "Nookie" was born on May 25, 1960 in Houma, Louisiana. He has

2 sisters and 4 brothers. He attended Bayou Black Elementary, Greenwood Middle, Evergreen Jr. High and H. L.

Bourgeois

High School.

"Nookie" has been a musician for over 43 years, having started at the age of 7. He plays rhythm guitar, drums, bass,

some accordion, tambourine and cabassa. He started as a drummer with the "Happy Family" band, consisting of his

father on accordion, brother Justin on rhythm guitar, brother-in-law Dale Trosclair on lead, and Andrew Lapeyrousse

on steel and vocal.

The band played at Elam's bar in Lil' Calliou in Chauvin. He then started a band called, "Mix Country" with Henry

Rhodes and Albert "Peanut" Picou. After a while, "Nookie" then joined,

"Southern Image" with Sidney Smith and "Peanut". He has also played with, "Sonny Prim & The Country Gentlemen",

"R T Express", "SugarKane", "Bayou Memories" and the "Cajun Ramblers". He now plays with John Dunn and the,

"Louisiana Outlaws" as rhythm guitarist and back-up vocal.

During his many years as a musician, "Nookie" has played

with many a fine musician such as, Forest Martin, Calvin Parfait, Bobby Pelligrin, Bobby Pitre, Johnny Comeaux, L.J.

Foret, Jerry Raines, Johnny Webb, Leroy Chiasson, Cecil Trahan, Debbie Crawford, Jason Parfait, his son Edward,

Jr. and many many more. Some of the clubs "Nookie" played were Harbor Light, Silver Star, Cajun Landing, Bon

Temp Roule', Silverado, Gabby's, Cierra Club, Harvey's, Bonvillain's, Pleasure House, Tiki, Lake View Inn, Rainbow

& Plantation Inn, Hollywood's, Green Door, Mona Lisa, Mulate's, numerous VFW's, KC Halls, Nursing Homes, Fire

Stations, in the Houma, Thibodaux, Chauvin, Montegut, Westbank and New Orleans. "Nookie" worked as a trawler, a

deckhand, a rigger man

with McDermott and as an operator with Pelligrin Heavy Equipment. He is now retired since heart surgery.

He has been married to the former Earline Billiot for the past 30 years, having raised 1 daughter Josie Marie and 1

son Edward Jr... The couple has 2 grandsons and reside in Houma, Louisiana

Born on April 6, 1918, in Raceland, Louisiana to Paul Sr. and Edna Marie St. Pierre Guidry, Gaston had 4 sisters,

Verna, Pearl, Loulabell, and Dolores and 2 brothers Paul Jr. and Joseph. At the age of 7 the family moved to Marrero

and he attended Marrero School.

He played rhythm guitar and was a musician for 44 years.

He started playing prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army and played and sang for the troops while serving his country.

After the service, he played with the "Green Valley Playboys" with Ernest Martinez, Harold Lloyd Walker, Red

LeBlanc and "Goo" Wattigney. They played in Marrero at the Moulin Rouge, Buzzard Inn, Jungle Inn, Gay Paris',

Friendly Inn, Big Lane and Sidney's Bar; in Harvey at The Last Round Up; in Westwego at Larry's On The Hill and

The Keyhole; in Bridge City at Hank's Place, The Barn Inn; in Algiers at the 601 and

509 Clubs; in Belle Chasse at Cascio's: in Paradis at Red's Place; in Raceland at The Welcome Inn, Fun Pavillion,

Willie's and in Boutte at Tee Lee's, along with numerous FW and American Legion halls in the area. He performed

with such musicians as Everett Bernard, "Skeeter" Thomassie, Kent Leonard, Harold Cavallero, Tommy LeBlanc,

Floyd Bernard, Nick Contrachis and his son "Smoo" and daughter Cindy.

Gaston married Hazel Marie Leonard from Larose, Louisiana and raised 2 children, Gaston, Jr. and Cindy Marie.

He has 2 grandsons Chris & Todd and 5 great-grandchildren.

Gaston Paul Guidry, Sr. passed away on January 1, 1983 at the age of 65, so here to accept his certificate into the

Hall of Fame are his son Gaston, Jr. and daughter Cindy Marie Morrison

Gordon "Chick" Carbo was born in New Orleans on April 17, 1950 to Lester and Virginia Carbo and had one sister,

Becky. Living in Gretna all his life he attended McDonogh 26, William Hart, Gretna Jr. High, Shaw High and

graduated from West Jefferson in 1969. At the age of 14, he attended the Beatles concert in City Park Stadium where

his inspiration to play bass guitar started.

In 1966, at the age of 16, he played in his first band called, "Swingin' Vines". The band played mostly teen clubs,

school dances, battle of the bands and fraternity parties. Their first paying job was for St. Joseph's CYO.

They were the house band for the Pink Daisy on Huey P.

Long Avenue and also played at the Beaconette and the Flower Pot. For a few years after that, Gordon only played

occasionally. Later, with Zu Carpenter, Gordon joined, "Riverside" a 50's group. The band stayed together for 13

years, playing mostly social events for organizations and school fairs. After "Riverside" dismantled, Gordon formed

the band, "Aces' High" which played mostly weddings, dances, parties and frequently played at the Old Fireman's

Hall in Westwego.

The last group he played with was called the "Po-Boys".

For over 6 years they performed together playing classic rock and blues at such places as the Dock and T-Rivers in

Mandeville.

In 1971, Gordon married Gretna native, the former Deborah Labruzza and raised two children Vincent and Vita.

Gordon is self-employed as a barber since 1970 and the couple still reside in Gretna

Hartley Dupre was born on March 19, 1939 to David and Alice Chaisson Dupre in Chauvin, Louisiana. Hartley has

one brother Marty Dupre. He attended Little Caillou Elementary, LaCache School and graduated from Terrebonne

High School in 1957.

Hartley's parents bought his first guitar when he was 7 and he started

his music career as a lead guitarist at age 11. He and other musicians played clubs in the Chauvin area, such as, The

Bright Star Hall, The Moonlight Inn, The Rose Room and The Dragnet Club. In 1959, Hartley and his wife moved to

Houma where he met musicians Rex King, L.J. Foret, Kenny Moore, Gene Callahan and

"Sleepy" Brunet. He played lead guitar for Rex King and The Country Knights band for a while and from 1962 to 1966

he was with L.J. Foret and The Country Boys. They played at Big John's in Dulac, The 'Niche' in Golden Meadow,

Bonvillains, The Golden Bar and The East Park Recreation Center in Houma. The Country Knights and Country Boys

opened for artists such as Ernest Tubb, Loretta Lynn, Minnie Pearl, Conway Twitty, Dave Dudley and Vernon Oxford.

In 1967 and 1968, Hartley was fortunate to share the same stage,

playing lead guitar for Billy Grammer, Jack Greene, Bobby Bare, Kenny Price of Hee Haw, Vernon Oxford and

"Armstrong" Jones, who were on tour in Southeast Louisiana. On December 1, 1968, Leroy Martin called Hartley to

play a gig in Paradise, Louisiana with Vin Bruce and The Acadians which lasted 19 years. They performed at the

Stagecoach and Safari Club in Galliano, along with clubs and festivals across South Louisiana and Mississippi. The

band played festivals in Virginia, El Paso Texas, St. Louis Missouri, the 1984 World's Fair and Jazz Festival in New

Orleans in 1987, the same year the band disbanded.

In 1990, with Vin's permission, Hartley formed a band, also called,

The Acadians that played at the Silverado Club, Frontiers, in Houma, the Sunset Inn in Bayou Blue and Key Largo in

Morgan City. He then did a 2 year stint with, The Cajun Friends band traveling to New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma,

Alabama and Mississippi. They also played local clubs as The Four Columns and the Bayou Barn. In 1998, Hartley

and Ronnie Foret started a band called Dakota. They played at the New Horizon in Houma, P.J.'s in Golden Meadow

and the Old Scorpio and My Father's Junkyard in Marrero. Hartley alsoplayed with Johnny Fonseca and the Cajun

Outlaws, Southern Illusion and Cypress Country. He has played lead guitar on over 80 recordings with local artists

including I..J. Foret, Rex King, Johnny Webb, Pott Folse, Vin Bruce, Gene Rodrigue, Jimmy Trahan to name a few. In

2001, he received the Toys for Tots Marine Corp award and in 2002

Born on August 7, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan to Wilfred and Mary Simon, Jimmy has one sister, Connie. While growing up

in Port Sulphur, where he attended school, he graduated in 1967 from Delta Heritage Academy in Buras, Louisiana.

Jimmy Simon has been a musician for over 47 years, playing guitar and bass in his early years and vocals for most of

his career. Several of the bands he's performed with are, "The Corsairs", "The Groove Band", " The Q" and "Blue

Eyed Soul" just to name a few.

He's played in most dance halls and night clubs on the East and West bank of the river from the Quarter, The Sands,

Fat Cat, The Round Table, Tahiti Club, 1801 Club, Down the Hatch, The Point and Simon Says.

For the last 8 years, Jimmy has been part owner of the Country Club Lounge in Marrero. In January of 2011, with

complete ownership, Jimmy plans to expand the establishment and have live entertainment featuring Jimmy as lead

vocal.

Jimmy has been self-employed for most of his adult life in the music business. He has raised 4 children and has 4

grandchildren and resides in Gretna, Louisiana

Born on December 22, 1950 to "Tookie" and Cleo Dickson Banquer, Richard Banquer has 2 brothers, Larry and

Michael Banquer and 2 sisters Cathy and Christy.

While growing up in the Harvey and Marrero areas, he attended Marrero Jr. High and graduated from West Jefferson

High School in 1968.

Richard was a self-taught banjo, lead guitar and accordion player for 30 plus years. In his earlier days, while living in

North Georgia, he began strumming the banjo and later in life he educated himself on the Cajun Accordion.

He played every honky tonk on both sides of the Mississippi River that featured authentic country music.

In 1975, Richard started playing on Bourbon Street at a place called, Juda P's, then went to Chuck's and later played

for several years as a solo gig at Papa Joe's. He also performed with the "Bo Tyler Band" when not doing solo work.

He has been married to his wife Dianne for the past 30 years, reside in Harvey and Richard has one step-son Joe

Finn. The couple had one grand-daughter, Cheyenne, who at the age of 13 lost her long battle with cancer.

Presently, Richard is fighting his own battle with the

"Big C", and with love and prayers from family and friends and God's will, will be victorious

Born in Yuma, Arizona, on March 2, 1961, to Marlys and John R.

Heindel, Sr., Robert H. Heindel has one brother John, Jr. Although born in Yuma because his father was stationed

there in the Marine Corps, at six months old, Robert and his family moved back to his father's native Algiers. There he

later attended Belleville Elementary, Edna Karr Jr. High and graduated from O. Perry Walker Sr. High School.

Robert began playing trumpet in the 3 grade at Belleville and took

private lessons from Dr. Joseph Macaluso. He then played sousaphone under the direction of Frank Marinaro and Dr.

Breaux at Edna Karr and

O. Perry Walker in the marching and concert bands. This led to earning him many awards and becoming a yearly

member on the Louisiana All State Concert bands which received superior ratings at all MEA festivals.

He was first exposed to stringed instruments by Russ Russell who was a summer camp counselor who entertained

the kids with his unbelievable knowledge of songs on his guitar. Through, Professor Louis Pendarvis, Robert was

exposed to the upright bass and was encouraged to include stringed bass in his music.

At the age of 15, Robert and his friends from high school formed a band called, "Seven & Seven" and played for TV

commercials, private parties and parade organizations. It was around this time, that Robert was given a Fender Jazz

Bass and Peavey amplifier from his parents. In attemps to form his first band, Robert played with Gerard

Gegenheimer, Kenneth Lannes, Lloyd LaGrange, Shawn Touro and many other kids who came and went.

His first success at the Rock n' Roll level came with the band,

"Atlantis" with Phil Forbes, Bob Key,

"Jack" Marcey and Mark Hamrick.

In 1980, Robert was a part of another band called, "Fallout" with John McCusker, Mike Chickey and "Jack" Marcey.

The band played around the Loyola University area including clubs like Jimmy's and others along the Maple Street.

The band disbanded in 1982 as members graduated from college.

Robert has shared the stage with such performers as, Hector Neives, Chee Weez,, Johnny Angel, Riptide, Jimmy

Thibodaux Band, 1 on 1 Band, Animal Krackers, Bruce Tyner,

"Big Ernie" Wheeler, Emmit Thompson,

Todd Credeur, Brian Rini, Kyle Thomas, Rockin' Dopsie Jr., Shawn Paddock, Donald Bass, Floyd Durand, Joey

Alonzo and many more. In 2000, he began forming a group which would eventually be called, "Chicken On The

Bone" which presently consist of Robert, his brother John, Chuck Favrot, Jr. Tommy Gunn and Paul Molinario.

Over the years, Robert has played at events and venues throughout the Gulf Coast including Gretna Heritage

Festival, Boomer's, Down the Hatch, Front Street Station, Junkyard, Silver Slipper Casino, Tad Gormley Stadium,

Bourre's, Hard Rock Cafe", Rock n' Bowl, Vinnie's Sports Bar, House of Blues, Old Point Bar, Gattusso", Mardi Gras

World, countless church fairs and festivals, Mardi Gras organizations and many more clubs, dances and private

parties, too many to go on.

Robert has been married to his wife Lisa for over 30 years. They have raised 4 children, Leslie, Matthew, Catherine

and Robbie and have one grandchild Rori. Robert still resides in Algiers with his family

Born on January 11, 1949 to Albert and Leona Contranchis Pellegrin, Bobby has 3 sisters and 5 brothers. Living in

Mamou, Louisiana, Bobby attended school in Crowley and Lafayette. But at a very young age the family moved to

Raceland, Louisiana.

Bobby has been playing music since the age of 6 and made his first guitar at the age of 8. He plays fiddle, guitar,

mandolin and bass.

He has played with many musicians and bands like, The Green River Band, The Bayou Boys, Country Magic, Cajun

Moon, Cajun Friends and played fiddle for The Dusenberry Family Singers, Lafourche Cajun Band, Touche', The

Treater Band, Rockin' Sidney, Norman Wade & The Country Swingers, D.J. Collins and Vin Bruce.

There are many places Bobby has played, some of them are; Jolly Inn, The Pleasure House, Holiday Inn, Little

Gilley's, The Silverado and with Vin Bruce at LA Cajun Stuff in the Southland Mall, with Bobby Pitre at Jack's Lounge

all in Houma, Oak Alley and Laura Plantations, Harry's Place with Vin Bruce and PS's with Country Magic both in

Golden Meadow, with Rockin' Sidney at the Big Apple and with The Bayou Boys at Bason's Honky Tonk both in

Larose. He has also played on the Westbank at the Fireman's Hall, with Ernie Wilkinson's Hot Sauce Band at the

Moulin Rouge, with Buddy Miller's Band at the Old Scorpio, with The Bayou Boys at The Silver Eagle, Old Moonlight

Inn and Beulah's in Gretna.

Bobby is a retired tugboat captain and has been married for 46 years to the former Virginia Bergeron. The couple has

6 children and 17 grandchildren and reside in Montegut, Louisiana

Robert Pitre was born on December 30, 1929 to Harry Joseph Sr. and Emily Bergeron Pitre. He had five sisters,

Beverly, Loyce, Joyce (deceased), "Toni" and Connie and four brothers, Harry Jr. (deceased) Sterling, Kenneth and

Blake.

Bobby attended St. Francis Elementary, Houma Jr. High and Terrebonne High schools.

This native and resident of Houma, was a self-taught guitarist and has strummed and picked his way to the peak of

the locals list of top-notch guitar players. At an early age, Bobby followed his father, Harry, into two crafts: carpentry

and music. He was less than 14 years old and on bandstand and stayed there until his death. Music served as Pitre's

career for 15 years, giving him a chance to perform with a lengthy list of musicians during the 1940's, 50's and early

60's. Bobby's daddy organized his son's first band, a country group called,

"The Gulf Coast Playboys" featuring Bobby "and a bunch of Gautreauxs". His next group,

"The Southern Playboys" gained popularity at dances in Morgan City

and other places outside Houma. In the 1950's, young Pitre earned a living by performing at a Houma drive-in theater

for 4 years and 3 months, 6 nights a week, 6 hours per night. He always managed to play with very good musicians

like:

Jimmy Davis, Vin Bruce, Waylon Thibodeaux, Pott Folse, Leroy Martin, Black & Sandra Guidry and the late Gene

Rodrigue.

Pitre, who married at the age of 20, turned his side job of carpentry into

a full-time business in 1959 to spend more time with his three children.

Though music gigs became his side job, he never stopped playing music. A Gene Rodrigue album features Bobby's

guitar stylings and he earned a 1985

Entertainer of the Year Award from the Cajun Country Outdoor Opry.

Fellow musicians like Werlien Properie Sr., Michael Loupe, Calvin

Parfait and Johnny Totina, who played with Bobby for more than 25 years, all described Bobby's style as smooth with

a unique styling of chord progression and knack for improvising, which put Bobby on top of his game.

He still performed weekly in Pierre Part with a country band, and weekly at various nursing homes and monthly at a

Thibodaux Jazz brunch.

Bobby and his late wife Hilda Thibodeaux Pitre raised one daughter Cindy and 2 sons Bobby Jr. and Keith. He also

has 3 step-daughters and 1 step-son, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and 10 step-grandchildren.

At the age of 80, Bobby Pitre passed away after complications due to cardiac arrest on February 28, 2010. He is

survived by his wife of the last 9% years, Mrs. Virginia Clark Pitre

Robert Wayne Varnado was born on December 8, 1945 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Edward Earl "Smilin' Eddy" and

Marilyn Schwartz Varnado. He has 5 sisters Marilyn, Brenda, Evelyn, Sheila and Sandra (deceased) all younger than

him.

Robert graduated from Picayune Memorial High in 1963.

He began learning guitar at the age of 13 years old and started playing bass at 19 years of age. The first band he

played with, for about 4 years was,

"The Rampages" with several high

school friends. Then from 1969 till 1971, Robert played with Angelo Costa at the Fireman's Hall, with the band,

"Country Express". For the next 10 years he worked with "Gary Cooper & The Moonshiners" which played around the

Slidell and Bogalusa areas. The last band he played with was "Louisiana Red Hots" which played at the 501 Club,

Bronco's in Gretna, The Round Up in Houma, Hogs Breathe Saloon, in Chalmette and Charlie's Lounge in Slidell.

Robert also played bass for Sammi Smith, who had the hit record, "Help Me Make It Through The Night". He also

played spot jobs with Toxie Baughman at the Keyhole and Earl Ortego at the Old Scorpio.

In his musical days he was fortunate enough to play with several fine musicians like, Bobby Varnado, Angelo Costa

and Harold Cavallero, Tommy Moran Sr., and Jr., Charles Varnado, Earl Ortego, Candy & "Deaser" Bennett, Toxie

Baughman, Gary Cooper, Gary McKean and many more.

Robert retired from music, after 50 plus years, in October of 2008 after having bypass surgery and a stroke. He was

also a self-employed contractor for 43 years.

Wayne raised 3 children, Edward Dwayne, Melissa and Tanya and resides in Carriere, Mississippi with his wife

Ginger

The son of Mildred and the late Steve Gros, Sr, Steve Gros, Jr. was born on October 1, 1946. He was raised in

Westwego and attended Westwego Elementary, WorleyJr.

High and graduated in 1966 from West Jefferson High School.

Steve learned to play guitar from his father and at the age of 12 played with his dad at family gatherings. He plays

bass guitar, rhythm guitar, piano, organ and keyboard. Steve started playing professionally with Speedy Couto at

fundraisers and benefits. He later began playing regular gigs with Stanley Martin, Jerry Chiasson and

"The Starlighters". He also played with "Skeeter" Thomassie at Fuzzy's in Lafitte. Steve, his brother Glenn, cousin

Nelson, Reverend Steele and his son Jerry, recorded four albums from the music ministry at Marrero Assembly of

God Church. Today Steve still sits in with various music groups on special occasion, but is mostly considered retired.

Steve is the father of 3 sons, Darrell, Shane and the late Flint Gros. Steve's love of music was passed down to his

sons. Darrell is a choir member at God's House in Westwego; Shane plays drums. Flint was the Praise and Worship

Leader at Greater Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans where he sang and played organ and

keyboard.

Steve Gros, Jr. now resides in Gretna and has been an employee of the Jefferson Parish School Board for the past

30 years