Waylon Thibodeaux

Waylon Thibodeaux is a young Cajun with an innate musical talent that can be seen in the performance of his Louisiana, Cajun and Zydeco music. His style of high-energy, toe-tapping music will certainly liven up any audience. Waylon began playing professionally at the age of thirteen. He has had the opportunity to perform with nationally and internationally renowned musicians and groups, including Tony Orlando, Jimmy C. Newman, Beau Soleil, Jo-El Sonnier, Wayne Toups, and Bruce Daigrepont, Willy Nelson, Randy Newman, The Voice of the Wetlands Allstars.

Born in Louisiana's "Bayou Country" just a few miles southwest of New Orleans, Houma native Waylon Thibodeaux, has been dubbed "Louisiana's Rockin' Fiddler". Today, this talented, self-taught Cajun musician has gained a notable reputation as one of Louisiana's best known recording artists. His talents have led him to play festivals, clubs and other special events throughout the United States, Canada, France, Central and South America. His rollicking, crowd-pleasing performance on stage is exactly what one would expect from someone who, at age 16, was Louisiana's state fiddle champion. He never fails to serve up a good helping of spicy, high-energy Louisiana and Cajun/Zydeco music. His unique musical style is best described by Thibodeaux himself:

"It's a mixture - it's Cajun, but not too traditional, it's Zydeco with a pinch of New Orleans' sound, a small pinch of South Louisiana 'Swamp Pop', a taste of Country and a little Rock n' Roll, that's sure to get you on your feet and dancing."

Any way he plays it, Thibodeaux's music certainly gets one's attention. Waylon's latest CD is Papa Thibodeaux, recently released on Rockin' River Records. This release showcases Waylon's depth and versatility as he performs his unique brand of progressive Cajun music, seasoned with elements of Zydeco, Rock, Country and a sprinkle of the traditional in just the right places. You've heard it before, but it really is true ? this CD has something for everyone. Blues guitarist Tab Benoit and harmonica virtuoso Jumpin' Johnny Sansone join Waylon on the toe-tapping cut "Be For Sure", written by Sansone. If that combination doesn't make you get up and dance, nothing will! Waylon even adds a Spanish selection to his usual combination of French and English vocal performances. "Papa Thibodeaux" is truly a one-of-a-kind must-have for your Louisiana music collection.

He has two CD's that were previously released on Rockin' River Records. The CD, In Jackson Square is a powerful mixture of Cajun, country, zydeco and New Orleans style music that Waylon sings in English. The other CD, Tu Me Fais Crier! is completely sung in French and contains the theme song for the 1999 international reunion known as "Congres Mondial Acadian". Both of these recordings give listeners a real taste of good high-energy Louisiana music. Along with six earlier independent releases to his credit, three of his original English compositions were included on a 1995 compilation album by Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville/Island Records entitled, Margaritaville Cafe New Orleans - Late Night Gumbo. Thibodeaux released an independent acoustic album with Gina Forsythe, entitled Dans La Louisiane. This CD, a collection of traditional Cajun French songs, won the 1996 OffBeat Magazine's Best of the Beat Award for Best Cajun album. Thibodeaux has also performed in numerous radio and television commercials and four of his original compositions were featured in the 1993 NBC movie, House of Secrets.

As a way of giving back to the unique culture that helped to cultivate his gifts as an entertainer, Waylon performs as a member of the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars. This group, comprised of Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Tab Benoit, Jumpin' Johnny Sansone, George Porter, Jr., Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Anders Osborne, Johnny Vidacovich and Waylon Thibodeaux, performs throughout the country to raise awareness of the erosion of the Gulf Coast wetlands, doing their part to preserve their heritage as proud citizens of Louisiana.

Having played for years to filled-to-capacity crowds on New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street, Thibodeaux has literally entertained people from all over the world. Fiercely proud of his Acadian heritage, he keeps his home base in southeast Louisiana, always striving to perfect his style of music. A versatile entertainer, Thibodeaux can charm his audiences in French and/or English. His is always a "must see" performance.