BEAU JOCQUE


On or about September 9, 1999, I received word from my Aunt who lives in Eunice, Louisiana, that Zydeco Musician Beau Jocque had died. I could hardly believe what I was hearing. Living in San Antonio, TX, Zydeco is not a very popular thing in the city. I feel it's the city's loss and misfortune. I was born in Eunice, Louisiana in the Spring of 1969. My father was in the United States Air Force and as a result, we moved away when I was very young. I did however, have the opportunity to visit my home state on several occassions through out the course of my growing up. After becoming a young adult I would travel from San Antonio to Eunice alone about twice a month mainly for the purpose of attending Zydeco dances. The music would move me. I remember the first time I saw Beau Jocque. I was amazed at his size and the rough roaring sound that came from him. His music was up-beat and fast paced, just the way I liked it. I remember going to "Richards" club in Lawtell, Louisiana to see and hear him play. From the moment I pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of my vehicle, I could hear the music. I couldn't wait to get inside. Once inside, I couldn't wait to hit the dance floor. Once on the dance floor I didn't want to sit down. Tunes like Beau Jocque Boogie, Give Em' Cornbread, The Beau Jocque Shuffle and Pop That Coochie just to name a few were the ones I always waited to hear. No one did quite like Beau.