Boozoo Chavis

• Genre: Cajun/Zydeco
• Hometown: Lake Charles

About

Zydeco legend Boozoo Chavis grew up in Lake Charles, La., where his mother owned a dance hall and where he first made his acquaintance with the future king of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. Chavis' first record, cut in 1954 for Goldband Records, was a large regional hit. He then took the next thirty years off from recording due to the fact that he thought he had been robbed of his royalties by Goldband. His recording career started again around 1984, and he has recorded steadily ever since. Chavis' sound has not mellowed over the years -- it remains lean, raw and rocking, with his three-button accordion and raw-throated vocals leading a swinging, stomping band. His X-rated classic "Deacon Jones" is much sought-after by collectors. Chavis has been immortalized in song by the band NRBQ in their classic number "Boozoo, That's Who."

- Tom Heyman