Representative Albums: "Zydeco on the Bayou," "The Tribute Sessions," "Positively Beadhead"
Representative Songs: "A Ma Maison," "The Maker," "The Love We Shared"
Biography
One of zydeco's most soulful vocalists and fieriest accordionists, Terrance Simien was also among the music's most pop-oriented artists, infusing his sound with elements of R&B, funk, gospel, and reggae. Born September 3, 1965, in Eunice, LA, he first heard zydeco at local dances as a boy, but did not show any real interest in the music until it began growing in popularity during the early '80s. After learning the accordion and writing a handful of songs in collaboration with his brother Greg, Simien formed his first band; in the years to follow, he honed his chops in area zydeco clubs each weekend, working as a bricklayer during the day. His big break arrived in 1984, when an appearance at the New Orleans World's Fair launched him to the attention of Paul Simon, with whom Simien recorded a cover of Clifton Chenier's "You Used to Call Me." He also was tapped to appear in the feature film The Big Easy, writing and performing a song with star Dennis Quaid. With his band the Mallet Playboys, Simien made his full-length debut in 1990 with Zydeco on the Bayou; There's Room for Us All followed in 1993, and after a six-year recording hiatus he returned with Positively Beadhead. In 2001 Simien released the interesting Tribute Sessions, which was split between narrative by Simien and actual music tracks paying tribute to some of his influences. Across the Parish Line appeared in 2006 from Aim Records, followed a year later in 2007 by Live World Wide, also released by Aim. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
Simien is from one of the earliest Creole families documented to have settled the Mallet area of Landry Parish.[citation needed] He was introduced to music via the piano at home, the Catholic Church choir and in school band programs where he played trumpet.
While in his teens he taught himself to play accordion a teenager and formed his first band Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys, and began to play the regional zydeco club and church hall circuit. At the age of 20 Simien was one of only two young zydeco artists leading a band and performing his indigenous zydeco roots music.[citation needed] This was a pivotal time in zydeco music history since the pioneers of the genre were aging and the music was in jeopardy of dying off without the critical presence of emerging artists perpetuating the traditions.
Simien and his band have toured internationally, presenting over 5000 live performances in more than 40 countries,and released dozens of solo recordings and collaborations.[citation needed] He has shared studio and stage with the likes of Paul Simon, Dr. John, The Meters, Marcia Ball, Stevie Wonder, Robert Palmer and the roots rockers Los Lobos when their "La Bamba" was a Top 10 radio hit. He has appeared on screen and contributed to the soundtracks of multiple movie feature and television films and commercials.
His music is set to appear in the Disney film, The Princess and the Frog[citation needed] set in the French Quarter of New Orleans, featuring authentic Louisiana music scored by Randy Newman. His "Creole for Kidz" (education performances) have reached 200,000 students, parents and teachers in more than 20 states, Mali, Paraguay, Canada and Australia.
He is considered to be one of the most gifted vocalists, engaging performers and innovative recording artists in American roots music.[citation needed]
