Beau Jocque

Beau Jocque (born Andrus Espre; November 1, 1953 – September 10, 1999) was a Louisiana French Creole zydeco musician and songwriter active in the 1990s.

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. Backed by the Hi-Rollers, he became one of the top dance-hall acts of his musical decade. He 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.

Early life Beau Jocque was born Andrus Espre in Duralde, Louisiana, Andrus played guitar in a high school band after high school, and eventually made it to the rank of sergeant, had a top security clearance and was stationed in London and Germany. Espre had his first near-death experience while in the Air Force, when an explosion left him in the hospital with amnesia. then came home to work as an electrician and welder. He was a long time resident of Kinder, Louisiana. He was also known to write poetry, and preach about respecting nature.

Career Working in an oil refinery after leaving the Air Force, During his recuperation, as part of his therapy he began playing his father's button accordion. After a year of practice and gaining proficiency on the accordion, Espre and his wife Michelle (AKA Shelly) began to study the styles of the successful groups on the zydeco circuit. "We checked out C. J. Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, John Delafose and I'd watch the crowd. When they got real excited, I'd try to feel what was happening at that point. Was it the rhythm guitar? The drums? The accordion style? I realized that when you get the whole thing just right, it's going to move the crowd." His major zydeco influence was Boozoo Chavis who also played the button accordion, with hypnotic riffs and two-step stomps that were favorites with south Louisiana dancers.

Beau Jocque and the Zydeco Hi-Rollers won the Big Easy Music Awards three times as Best Zydeco Artist.

It was a friendly rivalry. The two musicians often traded insults in public

Personal life Espre and his wife Michelle ("Shelly") had two sons, Andrus Adrian and Justin Travis. Chuck Bush (bass) Steve Charlot (drums) Russell "Sly" Dorion (guitar) Ray Johnson (guitar) Mike Lockett (keyboard) Wilfred Pierre (rubboard)

Discography Studio and live albums

Singles and EPs Song title(s) Album title Record label Stock number Release year Note(s)"Pop That Coochie" / "My Name Is Beau Jocque"My Name Is Beau JocquePaula Records4617", 45 RPM"Don't Sell That Monkey" / "Maria" (performed by Roy Carrier)Paula P-4637", 45 RPM"Make It Stank (Special Aromatic Dance Mix)" / "Make It Stank (Special Aromatic Dance Mix with Spoken Intro)"Gonna Take You DowntownRounderPR 107712", 33 1/3 RPM, Promotional single

Various artist compilation albums

Filmography

Louisiana Blues (directed by Jean-Pierre Bruneau, 1993); Beau Jocque appears as himself in a film history of Cajun and Zydeco music. The Kingdom of Zydeco (directed by Robert Mugge, 1994); Beau Jocque and Boozoo Chavis appear in this documentary which features their friendly rivalry while both were seeking to earn the title "King of Zydeco" following the deaths of Clifton Chenier and Rockin' Dopsie. By the River of Babylon: An Elegy for South Louisiana (TV documentary directed by Don Howard and Jim Shelton, 2015); includes music performances by Beau Jocque and Clifton Chenier.

Other media appearances Late Night with Conan O'Brien: June 26, 1995, episode 2.188 Late Show with David Letterman: May 15, 1998; Beau Jocque & The Zydeco Hi-Rollers appeared on a special New Orleans episode

Awards 1994: Big Easy Music Awards, Best Zydeco Artist 1995: Big Easy Music Awards, Best Zydeco Artist 2000: Big Easy Music Awards, Best Zydeco Artist