More Info on Beau JocqueSimilar Undetermined MusicSearch Artistopia
Biography
Infobox musical artist | name = Beau Jacques| image = BeauJocque1997.jpg| caption = Beau Jacques at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, 1997| image_size = | background = solo_singer| birth_name =| alias =| birth_date = birth date|1952|11|01| death_date = death date and age|1999|09|10|1952|11|01|death_place = Kenner, Louisiana | origin =| instrument = Accordion | genre = Zydeco | occupation =| years_active =| label =| associated_acts =| website =| notable_instruments = Beau Jacques (born Andrus J. Espre, November 1, 1953 - September 10, 1999) was an American zydeco musician active in the 1990s.
Beau Jacques is known for his gruff vocals, his fusion of many musical styles onto 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.
Beau Jacques was found collapsed in the shower by his wife, dead of an apparent heart attack at the height of his career. He is buried in Saint Matildas Cemetery, Eunice, Louisiana .
Biography
Beau Jacques was born Andrus Espre. He was also known to write poetry, and preach about respecting nature. He spent nine years in the United States Air Force|Air Force , then came home to work as an electrician and welder. After a work-related accident, which left him bedridden for a time, he began playing accordion. Soon after, he put a band together, including his wife, Shelly on Washboard#The_washboard_as_a_musical_instrument|rubboard . By 1989, just two years after his accident, Espree was one of the biggest draws on the Louisiana zydeco circuit.
Andrus grew up speaking Louisiana French and spoke it fluently. A large man (6'6" and 270 pounds) he took the stage name "Beau Jacques," which is Louisiana Creole French|Louisiana Creole for "Big Guy." After only a few years, he had revolutionized the zydeco scene, adding funk and rock elements with his band, the Hi-Rollers. His lifestyle caught up with him, however, and after only a few years of regional stardom he died of a heart attack in 1999.
External links
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi? page=gr& GRid=6716 Beau Jocque at Find-A-Grave
Persondata | NAME = Jocque, Beau | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | DATE OF BIRTH = November 1, 1952 | PLACE OF BIRTH = | DATE OF DEATH = September 10, 1999 | PLACE OF DEATH = Kenner, Louisiana DEFAULTSORT:Jocque, Beau Category:Zydeco musicians Category:American musicians Category:1999 deaths Category:1953 births
