Willis Prudhomme And Zydeco Express

Willis Prudhomme is a genuine treasure of southwest Louisiana, born in 1931, he didn't pursue music until he was in his late thirties. Starting first on Harmonica, he discovered a natural talent for music. His Brothers Charles and "Slim", already musicians playing Guitar and Bass respectively (John Delafose Band) welcomed their brother to the mix. He played Accordian in Leo Thomas's band for several years before starting his own band, Zydeco Express. One of his first recordings was used in the John Sayles movie Passion Fish [I went down to New Orleans-Zydeco Live, Rounder records], which he also appeared in. Willis continued on in the "first" Zydeco explosion in the late eighties with songs like "salty Dog", "Bad Bad Girl" ,"Why You Wanna Make Me Cry?",and his"signature" tune "They Call Me Jackhammer" .Willis, Boozoo Chavis, John Delafose, Nathan Williams and, Beau Jocque took the style from local to world-wide. His music has been covered by many Zydeco Artists, with the biggest hit being Beau Jocque's cover of Give him "Cornbread". Surprisingly youthful for a man in his seventies, he continues to express the old-school Zydeco style.

"We play it traditional, not too fast, not too slow, so people can dance".

-Willis Prudhomme



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