Nathan Williams (Zydeco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Williams
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Williams performing at the Thirsty Ear Festival Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2009
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Nathan Williams |
| Born | March 24, 1963 St. Martinville, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Genres | Zydeco, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Accordion, vocals |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Labels | Rounder, Cha Cha Records |
Nathan Williams Sr. (born March 24, 1963) is an American zydeco accordion player, singer, and songwriter. He is famous for leading his band, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, which he started in 1985. Zydeco is a lively type of music from Louisiana, mixing blues, R&B, and traditional Creole sounds.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Nathan Williams grew up in St. Martinville, Louisiana. He was the youngest of seven children. His family spoke French Creole.
He loved music from a young age. His uncle, Harry Hypolite, was a Creole guitarist. Harry played with famous zydeco musicians like Clifton Chenier. Nathan looked up to Chenier. He would even listen to Chenier's music from outside clubs.
When Nathan was 13, he moved to Lafayette, Louisiana. He lived with his older brother, Sid. Later, after being very sick, Nathan decided to learn the accordion. He practiced secretly in the bathroom. His main teacher was Buckwheat Zydeco. But Clifton Chenier was his biggest inspiration. Sid Williams bought Nathan his first accordion.
Nathan's Music Career
Nathan Williams started playing music professionally around age 21. His brother Sid helped him a lot. Sid had a record label and a club called El-Sid-O's. Nathan often performed there on Friday nights.
Nathan got his big chance when Buckwheat Zydeco suggested him to Rounder Records. Nathan auditioned and got a recording contract. In 1985, he formed his band, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas. He named the band after a song by his hero, Clifton Chenier.
The band first played at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1988. They also became very popular at the New Orleans Rock n' Bowl club. They even recorded a live album there in 1997.
Early in his career, The New York Times newspaper said Nathan was "one of the best young zydeco musicians in Louisiana." His music mixes zydeco with jazz, blues, and R&B. Nathan writes most of his band's songs.
Touring the World
For over 30 years, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have traveled widely. They have played in many places, from small stores in Louisiana to famous venues. These include the Lincoln Center in New York and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
They even performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The band has toured in many countries. These include Austria, Spain, France, Japan, and Germany. They were the first zydeco band to play in Poland!
Family in the Band
Nathan's band often includes his family members. Nathan plays accordion and sings. His older brother, Dennis Paul Williams, plays guitar. His cousin, Mark Anthony ("Chukka") Williams, plays the rubboard. His brother Sid is the band's manager.
Nathan's son, Nathan Williams Jr., plays accordion and keyboards. His cousin Allen Williams plays bass. His nephew Djuan plays rubboard and accordion. Other talented musicians have also played in the band.
Collaborations and Recent Work
In 1995, Nathan worked with Cajun fiddler Michael Doucet. This was special because zydeco and Cajun musicians rarely worked together back then. In 2008, Nathan played accordion on blues legend Buddy Guy's album Skin Deep.
In 2013, Nathan started his own record label, Cha Cha Records. It releases music by both him and his son, Nathan Jr.
In 2022, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas toured with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. They played 30 shows across the United States. In 2023, the band was nominated for a Grammy Award. Their album Lucky Man was nominated for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
Personal Life
When Nathan Williams is not touring, he runs a trucking company. It's called Cha Cha Hot Shot Service. It helps move equipment for the oil and gas industry in Louisiana.
Nathan met his wife, Nancy, when he was 16. They were high school sweethearts. He says he is happy with his family and his music. They have three children.
Nathan Williams Jr. started playing with the band at age 3. He played the rubboard. He released his first album at age 14. Now, he leads his own band, Lil' Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.
Nathan's youngest son, Naylan, is also a musician and record producer. He played many instruments on his father's 2022 album, Lucky Man.
His older brother, Dennis Paul Williams, is not just a musician. He is also a well-known artist. His art has been shown in many cities and in Europe.
Discography
Nathan Williams and the Zydeco Cha Chas have released many albums and singles over the years. Some of their studio albums include Steady Rock (1989), Follow Me Chicken (1993), and Lucky Man (2022). They have also released live albums, like I'm A Zydeco Hog: Live at the Rock 'N' Bowl, New Orleans (1997). Their music is also featured on many compilation albums with other artists.
Filmography
Nathan Williams has appeared in a few films:
- 1994: The Kingdom of Zydeco (a documentary about zydeco music)
- 2009: In the Electric Mist (a movie where he had a small role)
- 2010: Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Concert (a TV show on PBS where his band performed)
Awards and Honors
Nathan Williams has received many awards for his music:
- 2002: Best of the Beat Award for Best Zydeco Band or Performer
- 2005: Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
- 2006: Best of the Beat Award for Best Zydeco Band or Performer
- 2006: Best of the Beat Award for Best Zydeco Album (for Hang it High, Hang it Low)
- 2010: Big Easy Music Award for Best Zydeco Band
- 2012: Big Easy Music Award for Best Zydeco Band
- 2012: Zydeco Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2015: Zydeco, Blues and Trailride (ZBT) Clifton Chenier Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2017: Landry Vineyards created a "Nathan Williams Zydeco Wine" label in his honor.
- 2023: Nominated for a Grammy Award for his album Lucky Man.
- He has also been voted top festival band in the country.
Images for kids
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Williams performing at the Thirsty Ear Festival Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2009
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Williams in 2022
See also
In Spanish: Nathan Williams para niños
