Paul Gregoire is the accordionist and lead singer of the Cajun band “Roux du Bayou” that also features Jerry Prevost on drums and Al Henderson on bass. The Nashville-based Roux du Bayou is known for pumping out high energy Cajun and Zydeco, and their performances always provide a memorable evening of great Louisiana dance music.
Originally from Dulac, Louisiana, Paul is a Native American and a member of the Biloxi-Chitimacha tribe based in Terrebonne Parish near the Gulf of Mexico. Growing up in Cajun Country Paul began to play music on a number of instruments by the age of 12.
In 1989 Paul moved to Nashville and began playing the accordion while also strumming the frottier, or scrub-board, for Cajun music legend Jimmy C. Newman. A star and member of the Grand Ole Opry since the 1950s Newman quickly became Paul’s musical mentor. Eventually Paul began subbing for Newman’s acclaimed accordionist Bessyl Duhon on the Grand Ole Opry stage and radio show.
In 1999 Paul formed Roux du Bayoux with Prevost and Henderson and the band has toured throughout the eastern United States. While Roux du Bayou performs all types of dance music from Cajun waltzes and swamp pop to the two-step and Zydeco, Paul personally prefers traditional acoustic French music. "It sounds more real and has a sweeter tone especially when a fiddle and an accordion weave together an unforgettable melody," notes Paul.
Currently Roux du Bayou is recording their first CD that includes vocal duets with Jimmy C. Newman and features guest appearances by musicians including Festival du Mardi Gras performer Dennis Stroughmatt of Creole Stomp. Roux du Bayou's CD will be available for purchase later in 2009. For more information visit www.rouxdubayou.com
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