Terrance Simien
(born September 3, 1965 in Mallet, Louisiana) is an American zydeco musician, vocalist and song writer. He and his band won the Grammy Award for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album for 2007. [1]
Simien is from one of the earliest Creole families documented to have settled the Mallet area of Landry Parish. 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. 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. 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
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.
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