It’s tough to follow in your father’s footsteps, but in the zydeco world, it’s practically a rite of passage. Zydeco is filled with families where the torch (or accordion) has been passed from father to son through the generations — families like the Ardoins, Broussards, Cheniers, and Delafoses, to name a few.
The Williams family is no different. Nathan Williams Jr. grew up in the shadow of his father, Nathan Sr., who leads Nathan and the Zydeco Cha-Chas. He started playing in his father’s band at age 5 and recorded his first album, Zydeco Ballin’ when he was just 14. Today, the 20-year-old junior at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new album out, Doin’ It Big Time and appears poised to emerge from his father’s shadow. Those are big shoes to fill, but in a zydeco family, it’s just part of growing up.
Lil’ Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers: Doin’ It Big Time (MP3 download)
2 Comments:
I met Lil Nathan at Cafe Desi Amie in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. It’s kind of hard for me really get out because I am a full time Business Student and work full-time but that day I just had to get out. and I tell you I had the time of my life.
I love Zydeco music.
by angie clark on April 11th, 2008
That’s great to hear, Angie. Thanks for sharing!
by Chris on April 13th, 2008