1. Beau Jocque is known for his gruff vocals, his fusion of many musical styles into zydeco, and above all, for the powerful energy of his rhythm and sound.
19 Facts About Beau Jocque
1. 2.
Beau Jocque wrote, recorded and performed many songs in both Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole languages, as well as in English, primarily on the Rounder Records label.
3.
Beau Jocque was born Andrus Espre in Duralde, Louisiana, to Sandrus and Vernice Espre.
4.
Beau Jocque's father was a well-respected accordion player who performed at many local dances, but who quit playing music when Andrus' older brother was born.
5.
Beau Jocque enlisted in the Air Force after high school, and eventually made it to the rank of sergeant, had a top security clearance and was stationed in London and Germany.
6.
Beau Jocque spent nine years in the military, then came home to work as an electrician and welder.
7.
Beau Jocque was a long time resident of Kinder, Louisiana.
8.
Beau Jocque was known to write poetry, and preach about respecting nature.
9.
Beau Jocque especially appealed to a younger crowd by incorporating rock guitar solos, blues-rock beats, and rap lines into his songs, along with his bass vocals and growling lyrics.
10.
Beau Jocque's initial recording got airplay on local radio stations and the larger zydeco clubs began to take notice.
11.
Beau Jocque's first recording was a 1992 vanity release titled My Name is Beau Jocque, which was re-issued in 1994 by Paula Records.
12.
Beau Jocque had to re-order more copies because they sold very quickly.
13.
Scott Billington, a producer for Rounder Records who was familiar with the Louisiana zydeco scene, picked up on the buzz surrounding Beau Jocque and signed him to his label.
14.
Beau Jocque Boogie was released in 1993, and it contained the song that became his first hit and signature song, "Give Him Cornbread".
15.
Beau Jocque recorded five studio albums for Rounder, with a sixth live album titled Give Him Cornbread, Live released on the label posthumously in 2000.
16.
Beau Jocque's rapid rise to the top of the zydeco circuit created some tension with the older musicians, who felt he hadn't paid his dues.
17.
Beau Jocque often played Chavis' songs during his performances, and even performed at a benefit concert to raise money to pay the costs of surgery for Chavis' wife.
18.
The next morning, Beau Jocque was found collapsed in the shower by his wife, dead of an apparent heart attack at the height of his career.
19.
Beau Jocque is buried in Saint Matilda Cemetery, Eunice, Louisiana.