Artist:Boozoo Chavis
Song:Keep Your Dress Tail Down
Album:Boozoo Chavis
Zydeco pioneer Wilson Anthony "Boozoo" Chavis would have been a much bigger star if he had chosen to remain in the music business in the 50s. But like a lot of black musicians, he made a strong return in his later years. He was born Oct. 23, 1930 in Lake Charles, LA. He grew up on a farm and taught himself the accordian bought for him by his father and started playing local clubs with Morris Chenier and his sons Clifton & Cleveland. Chavis had the very first Zydeco hit with Paper In My Shoe in 1954. But when the record company told him it only sold 150,000 copies, he had his cousin look into it and discovered that it was a million seller. So he quit the music business and raised championship racehorses for many years. He finally returned to the music business in the 80s with the encouragement of fans like NRBQ pianist Terry Adams. Chavis started touring and playing music festivals and became a star again. Adams produced this 1993 CD on Elektra Nonesuch. Chavis' music isn't as polished as some of the more recent Zydeco groups but it's great music anyway. Zydeco fans should check him out. Boozoo Chavis released CDs on Rounder through the 90s until his death on May 5, 2001 at age 70. Here's Boozoo Chavis performing Johnny Billy Goat in Lafayette, LA circa 1993.
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