Buckwheat Zydeco (born Stanley Dural Jr.) is a living legend in the
state of Louisiana. One might even say Buck IS the state of
Louisiana. Staying true to his Creole roots, he has managed to preach
the message of Zydeco music to the masses, while winning an Emmy and
gathering four Grammy nominations along the way. Musicians such as Eric
Clapton, Neil Young, Robert Plant and Ringo Starr have jumped at the
chance to jam live with Buck. To prove one can still dance while
wearing a tuxedo, President Bill Clinton personally requested Buck's
performances at both Presidential Inaugurals.
Buck graciously paid a visit to XMFan to reflect a bit on his music and
life in southern Louisiana.
XMFan:
When did you learn to play your first instrument?
Buck:
Many years ago. I was about five years old when I
learned to play the piano. We always had pianos in the house because my
dad would pick up old ones that people didn't want. One was in the
house, one on the porch, and one in the garage. My older brother played
the piano so I picked up a lot from him, and I learned to play by ear.
At the age of nine I got my first organ and played it in a band.
XMFan:
When the mood strikes, you still play the hell out of a
Hammond B3 (organ)...
Buck:
Yes, as a matter of fact I just got a new one. It's more
compact, a real bad mosquito!
XMFan:
Would you tell us a little about the Creole heritage of
southern Louisiana?
Buck:
The Creole-speaking people here are mainly black. They
speak the French language and Creole language from Haiti. The French we
speak here goes way back through history, back through slavery, which is
why the dialect has changed over the years. Definitely different than
"regular" French.
XMFan:
You were a good friend with Clifton Chenier (known as
"The King of Zydeco").
Buck:
He was my Zydeco mentor. I was an organ player for
Clifton Chenier for over two years, played the Hammond in his band. He
was my inspiration, why I'm doing what I'm doing today. If it weren't
for him, and playing in his band, I wouldn't be playin' no accordion! (laughs)
When I was raised, the accordion was what my dad played. It's a
traditional instrument in the Creole culture. To perform with Clifton
Chenier was very, very inspirational.
XMFan:
Many of your fans and critics alike have christened your
band as "the best party band in the world..." Buck:
Oh
man, that really touches my heart. That'll make you feel good. The
thing is, there's a reason why Buckwheat Zydeco is Buckwheat
Zydeco. When you have an audience and they're having a good time, it's
very rewarding to me. That's my intention, performing for whole
generations of people.
XMFan:
Is there such a thing as a "typical" Buckwheat fan?
Buck:
To be honest with you, the fans out there, they're about
the same wherever I perform, whether it's in the United States or
internationally. People come together to really enjoy the music, so I
would say it's all the same. I've never had a bad night, whether there
were two people or two thousand. If somebody's got a smile on their
face, that's where I'm at, you know?
XMFan:
Your album Down Home Live, released in 2001, has
received countless five-star reviews from all types of music sites. Did
you have any reservations about recording a live show? Buck:
Yes.
It had been in the making and we had been wanting to do it, and you're
always worried about timing. I knew I was going to do this but didn't
know when. Finally the timing was right and we did it.
XMFan:
In 2002, you won an Emmy Award for music that was
featured in the CBS movie Pistol Pete: The Life and Times of Pete
Maravich. Were you surprised to be nominated for, and eventually
win an Emmy?
Buck:
Well, I tell you, just being nominated is rewarding. To
me, you don't have to win. Just to know somebody's out there listening
to you, to even get the nomination, sometimes I pinch myself to see if
this is even real. Nice to know somebody out there loves you, brother!
XMFan:
Would you tell us about your custom piano accordion?
Buck:
My accordion is a Hohner. I handpicked it in Germany at
the factory. It is customized, and they actually remodeled some of it
in pearl. I also have my own modifications to get a distinct sound. I
had a technician do some modifications, because these accordions come
acoustic. We put some electronics in it to get that sound, just
like that Hammond organ, so it's very distinct. Just like a Rolls
Royce. That's why my accordion has such a different sound, like you
won't hear from any other accordion on the planet.
XMFan:
Odds are ten-to-one that your accordion will wind up in
the Smithsonian one day…
Buck:
Yeah! (laughs) I'm pretty sure!
XMFan:
XM Radio plays your music on several different channels,
but they play many of your songs on XM Kids. What was your
inspiration to record the album Choo Choo Boogaloo?
Buck:
You give 50% to the older generation and 50% to the
younger generation, because if you don't do that, what's going to happen
to them ten years from now? It was very nice to do that album, and I'm
hoping we can do another one. We have to keep our children inspired to
do good things in life, because if we don't, how's the future going to
look? It's that simple.
XMFan:
Did you realize XM broadcasts your songs coast to coast
to about 1.7 million subscribers?
Buck:
That is cool. That's good to hear. That's what I mean
when I say this is rewarding, you know? It's not about a dollar bill.
This is what I do, this is what I love to do, and I love to share
with people who have never heard it before.
XMFan:
If XMFans want to learn more about Buckwheat Zydeco, your
tour dates, and where to buy your albums, where can they go?
Buck:
www.buckwheatzydeco.com.
XMFan:
If a traveler finds himself in southern Louisiana and
wants to experience some local culture, would you recommend a trip to
the French Quarter or a drive down Highway 90?
Buck:
I would have them drive Highway 90 coming west or
Interstate 10 west (from New Orleans). For entertainment, I'd advise
them to hit El Sid O's Zydeco Blues Club in Lafayette. It's the
number one Zydeco club on the planet. There's so much culture back
here, you can spend a year here and find out about everything. So many
roots and culture.
Buckwheat Zydeco can be heard on Bluesville, X-Country, XM Kids, and XM
Cafe.
6020 Sports: Sal Paolantonio, Larry Fitzgerald, Sr., Chuck Esposito 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss their lack of interest in the Super Bowl teams because no players are talking trash during media week. James and Luke debate the firing of the High School women's basketball coach who pummeled a neighboring high school team 100-0. Larry Fitzgerald, sports columnist for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and father of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Jr., analyzes the two teams in the Super Bowl, the relationship that his son and Kurt Warner have on the football field, why Kurt Warner's career already merits a Hall of Fame induction, and explains how he began his career in journalism by rejection from pro football. Sal Paolantonio, ESPN NFL reporter, explains why Arizona actually has a chance to win the Super Bowl despite the notion that defense wins Championships. Sal also stresses that Kurt Warner is not yet a Hall of Fame quarterback, and that with a Super Bowl win, he will seal his fate in Canton, Ohio. Chuck Esposito, Head Oddsmaker for Fountaine Bleau Race and Sports book, delivers the betting line for James and Luke to make their picks on the Super Bowl including a slew of proposition bets. James and Luke wrap the show by questioning Joe Torre's decision to include such private details in his book possibly smudging a stellar coaching career in Major League Baseball.
6020 Sports: Frank Deford, Steve Sabol, Jon Wertheim 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert debate the stupidity of Michael Phelps getting caught smoking marijuana. Frank Deford, six time US sportswriter of the year, commentator on NPR's morning edition, contributor to HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, and senior contributing writer for Sports Illustrated, discussed the cultural event that is the Super Bowl, and his affinity for the color purple. Steve Sabol, Emmy award-winning President of NFL Films examines where Super Bowl XLIII ranks in the history of the game, and Sabol's art exhibit. Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated columnist, analyzes Roger Federer's tearful defeat to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open.
6020 Sports: Jack Ford, David Aldridge, Rob Dibble 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin the show debating the stupidity of the South Carolina court which issued 11 indictments in relation to the picture of Michael Phelps holding a bong. Jack Ford, Co-Host of Banfield & Ford Courtside on In Session on TruTV, talks about the number of indictments doled out in South Carolina in relation to Michael Phelps' use of marijuana, Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, Bud Selig's self-defense, the latest on Barry Bonds' perjury, Roger Clemens' defamation suit against former trainer Brian McNamee dropped by the court. David Aldridge, TNT Broadcaster, courtside reporter at the NBA All-Star Game, discusses the reunion of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neil, the Slam Dunk contest, All-Star weekend in general in Phoenix, and a preview of the 2nd half of the NBA Season. Rob Dibble, Color Analyst of the Washington Nationals and Analyst on 'The Show' on MLB Home Plate, calls out Alex Rodriguez for lying to the media and praises Adam Dunn for his approach to his new team taking young players under his wing. James and Luke wrapped the show with a new segment examining the "Worst Person in Sports" for the week.
6020 Sports: Bill King, Vince Gennaro, Dave Zirin, Olivia Manning 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert begin this special edition of 60/20 Sports focusing on how the ailing economy will influence the changes in sports business activity in 2009 and beyond. Bill King, Senior writer for Sports Business Journal, examines the economics of sports, and how sports organizations and businesses are responding to the lack of revenue. Vince Gennaro, author of Diamond Dollars, consultant to the Cleveland Indians, and former executive at Pepsi, analyzes the economics of baseball, sports marketing, and how the recession has changed the game. Dave Zirin, author of "A People's History of Sports in the United States" and host of Edge of Sports Radio, discusses the historical context of this recession's effect on the sports industry reflecting on sport during the depression and throughout America's history. Olivia Manning, NFL's number one mom to both Eli and Peyton Manning, wife to Archie Manning, and proponent of making Mardi Gras a national holiday, discusses her campaign to bring national attention to the Cajun festivities celebrated with respect to Mardi Gras.
6020 Sports: Bob Costas, JC Watts 10 March 2009, 10:48 am James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Alex Rodriguez' positive steroids test. Bob Costas, NBC Sports and MLB Network anchor, talked about Alex Rodriguez' positive test and subsequent admission, the Hall of Fame requirements and how each case should be judged separately, and Hank Aaron's 75th birthday party and the fact that his legacy has grown as the details of the steroid era continue to be revealed. JC Watts, former congressman (R'OK), 2-time Orange Bowl MVP quarterback for the University of Oklahoma, discussed Alex Rodriguez' human fallibility, his belief that congress should not interfere in sports, Tim Tebow's uphill battle to find success in the NFL, and JC's college career at Oklahoma.
6020 Sports: Morgan Ensberg, Tim Cowlishaw, Chuck Esposito 19 December 2008, 2:57 pm James Carville and Luke Russert discuss Plaxico Burress' decision to bring a handgun into a nightclub, and what punishment fits the crime. Morgan Ensberg told his story of being held up at gunpoint as a minor leaguer, his decision to buy a gun for protection, and eventually to get rid of the weapon prior to having his first child. James and Luke talked about Sean Avery's offensive comments about his former girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Tim Cowlishaw columnist for the Dallas Morning News and frequent contributor to Around the Horn on ESPN discussed both Avery's punishment from the National Hockey League and the fact that the Texas Longhorns will not compete for the Big XII Championship, and consequently, a National Championship. Fountain Blue Casino Executive Director of the Race and Sports book Chuck Esposito provides the betting line for James and Luke to make their weekly football picks.
Photo Album
