At the Grammys

Chubby Carrier

Undeniably “The World’s Premier Zydeco Showman.” Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history. Chubby began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father’s band. He began playing the accordion at the age of 15. By age 17, Chubby had begun to play with Terrance Siemien and toured the world for 2 1/2 years, before forming his own band in 1989. His band has traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada, North Africa and Europe. Chubby and the band travel 150-175 days a year, taking his act to big festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, Summerfest (Milwaukee), Memphis in May, and several festivals in Europe. Chubby has also done guest appearances on recordings for Tab Benoit, 6Was9, and Jimmy Thackery. Ann Wilson of the group Heart, encourages Chubby to “continue the great sound that you have. This sound will take you places.”

Earl Sally

Earl is a whirling ball of live-wire energy onstage. Formerly with Terrence Simien for eight years, {Simien recorded with Paul Simon during this time}. In 1990 he moved to Canada and then to California in 1992. In 1994, Earl started his own band and then relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he remained until 1997. A move to Louisiana in 1998 found him performing with Roy Carrier and the Night Rockers. In May of 2000, Earl became a vital part of CCBSB.

Randy Ellis

Originally from Thibodaux, Louisiana, Randy had an interest for music at an early age. When he was 5 years old his grandmother found him and his brother using tennis rackets as guitars while “playing along” to Ray Stevens song “Guitarzan”. She then asked them both if they wanted to play guitar and being typical 4 and 5 year olds they replied “yes”. Well Randy hasn’t put his guitar down since! After teaching the music class through high school, Randy then attended Guitar Institute of Technology where he graduated with honors. After graduation he went on to study music under the Ellis Marsalis Jazz Program in New Orleans. There he was exposed to rock, soul, R&B, zydeco, country and blues – and did he ever fall in love with the blues. Taking in mixing and melting together everything he’d learned, Randy created his distinct sound and style. In 1995 Randy toured with Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp Band and later with Roddy Romero through out the United States, Canada and Europe. Randy relocated to Dallas, Texas in what you might call the “blues breaker” of his career. In 1997 he joined SHAME SHAME, his first all out blues band, and brought his New Orleans blues and zydeco influence to help forge the overall sound of the band. After Randy’s first appearance with SHAME SHAME in a popular Dallas nightspot, the owner approached one of the members and asked, “Who is the new guitar player?” He replied “10 letters, two words. Randy Ellis, don’t forget ’em.”

Dave Nezat

Born in Eunice Louisiana… has played with great national acts such as the Jerry Garcia Band, John Magnie of the Subdudes, Doug Kershaw, Dirty Dozen Brass band, Motorhome, The Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra, CC Addcock and many, many more. He has also shared the stage through the years with Little Feat, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Earth, Wind and Fire, Earl Scruggs, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Taj Mahal, Robert Randolph, Bruce Hornsby, Ozomatli. After 20 years of being a studio and live drummer in Colorado, “Papa” has returned to Louisiana to support the rhythms of Chubby Carrier and The Bayou Swamp band.

Mark Metoyer

Born in San Francisco and raised in Redwood City, California but his family are descendants of Louisiana. In 1988, Mark started his professional career touring with Al Rapone & the Zydeco Express. Within that first 10 years, he also worked with Rockin’ Sidney and Allen Fontenot & the Country Cajuns. After that, he worked with Queen Ida and also her son, Myrick “Freeze” Gillory. Then he joined the band, Gator Beat. In 2003, Mark moved to Louisiana to join Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners. After hurricane Rita, he returned to California. In 2010, he came back to Louisiana to join Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band.