Bayou Boogie
2010
Buckwheat Zydeco
2.7K Listeners
Artist Bio
Stanley "Buckwheat" Dural Jr., better known as Buckwheat Zydeco, wasn't just a musician; he was an ambassador. He dedicated his life to sharing the vibrant, infectious sounds of zydeco music with the world. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, in 1947, Buckwheat initially pursued music through the organ, backing Clarence Garlow. He later gravitated towards the accordion, the heart and soul of zydeco, after being inspired by Clifton Chenier. This transition marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would leave an indelible mark on American music.
Before embracing the accordion, Buckwheat played keyboard in a rhythm and blues band called Buckwheat and the Hitchhikers. However, the call of his cultural heritage was too strong to ignore. He joined Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band in 1976, honing his skills and absorbing the nuances of zydeco from the master himself. By 1979, he'd formed his own band, Ils Sont Partis Band, and began his journey to international recognition. Buckwheat Zydeco quickly became synonymous with high-energy performances and a dedication to preserving and evolving the zydeco tradition.
His music was a gumbo of influences, blending traditional Creole melodies with blues, R&B, and even rock elements. This unique fusion appealed to a broad audience, transcending genre boundaries. He toured extensively, bringing his infectious rhythms to concert halls and festivals around the globe. Buckwheat Zydeco's performances were legendary, known for their raw energy and the sheer joy he exuded on stage. One can only imagine the crowd erupting when he played Hokey Pokey, a staple in his live shows that turned into a crowd favorite.
Buckwheat Zydeco didn't shy away from experimenting with his sound. His willingness to incorporate contemporary influences into his music helped keep zydeco relevant and accessible to new generations. This is evident in tracks like Ya Ya, where he manages to both honor tradition and embrace modern sensibilities. He also tackled more serious topics, such as in When The Levee Breaks, showcasing the emotional depth that zydeco can convey. Buckwheat Zydeco was a true showman, and his music reflects his passion for performance and his deep connection to his cultural heritage.
Buckwheat Zydeco received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album in 2010. His music appeared in films and television shows, further expanding his reach and introducing zydeco to new audiences. Buckwheat Zydeco passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through his music and the countless musicians he inspired. He will be remembered as a true pioneer, a musical innovator, and a cultural ambassador who brought the joy of zydeco to the world. And his rendition of Back In Your Arms remains a testament to his ability to infuse traditional sounds with heartfelt emotion. He will always be the King of Zydeco, and his music will continue to make people dance and celebrate for generations to come. Also, the upbeat tempo of Hot Tamale Baby is sure to get you moving.
Popular Albums
Popular Songs
| Track Number | Song | Release Date | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |  Ya Ya | Jan 1, 1985 | Waitin’ for My Ya Ya |
| 02 |  When The Levee Breaks | N/A | Lay Your Burden Down |
| 03 |  What You Gonna Do? | Jan 1, 1990 | Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire |
| 04 | Hokey Pokey | Jan 1, 2010 | Bayou Boogie |
| 05 |  Tee Nah Nah | Jan 1, 1985 | Waitin’ for My Ya Ya |
| 06 | Back In Your Arms | N/A | Lay Your Burden Down |
| 07 | My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now | N/A | Waitin’ for My Ya Ya |
| 08 | Hot Tamale Baby | N/A | Waitin’ for My Ya Ya |
| 09 |  Tutti Frutti | N/A | The Smurfs 2 (Music from and Inspired By) |
| 10 |  Crawfish Song | N/A | Choo Choo Boogaloo |
| 11 | Choo Choo Boogaloo | N/A | Choo Choo Boogaloo |
| 12 | Iko Iko | N/A | Choo Choo Boogaloo |
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