Rockin' Sidney facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rockin' Sidney
Promotional image of Rockin' Sidney,
Background information
Birth name	Sidney Simien
Born	(1938-04-09)April 9, 1938 Lebeau, Louisiana, U.S.
Died	February 25, 1998(1998-02-25) (aged 59) Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres	R&B, zydeco, soul, swamp blues
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals, accordion
Years active	1957–1998
Labels	Epic

Rockin' Sidney, whose real name was Sidney Simien, was an American musician. He was born on April 9, 1938, and passed away on February 25, 1998. He played R&B, zydeco, and soul music. Sidney started making music in the late 1950s and kept performing throughout his life. He is most famous for his song "My Toot-Toot" from 1985. This song became a big hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard country music charts. It also won him a Grammy Award.

Rockin' Sidney's Life and Music Journey

Sidney Simien was born on April 9, 1938, in Lebeau, Louisiana. His family spoke Creole French. Sidney learned to play the guitar when he was very young. He began his music career around age 14 or 15. He played the harmonica and guitar. His first performance was helping his uncle, Frank Simien.

By his late teens, Sidney led his own band called Sidney Simien and His All Stars. His first song, "Make Me Understand," was recorded in 1957. In 1962, his song "No Good Woman" became popular in Louisiana. The other side of the record, "You Ain't Nothing But Fine," made him known as a songwriter.

Sidney was influenced by local musicians like Slim Harpo. He made R&B-style songs in the late 1950s. He often played with George Lewis on harmonica and Katie Webster on piano. Later, he signed with Goldband Records in 1965. During this time, he was sometimes called "Count Rockin' Sidney" and wore a turban. He recorded many R&B, soul, and blues songs, but they were not very successful.

Discovering Zydeco Music

In the late 1970s, Sidney was playing solo organ shows. He noticed that zydeco music was becoming very popular. Zydeco is a type of folk music from Louisiana, which was familiar to him from his Creole background. Sidney quickly learned to play the accordion, which is a key instrument in zydeco. He then focused on this style of music.

His first zydeco album, Give Me a Good Time Woman, came out in 1982. Sidney also started his own music publishing company. His zydeco talent was quickly recognized. He had another hit song called "Louisiana Creole Man." By the early 1980s, Sidney had released two successful zydeco albums.

The Big Hit: "My Toot Toot"

Sidney's biggest moment came in 1984 with his song "My Toot Toot." This song made him famous around the world. Sidney wrote the song and released it on the Maison de Soul Records label. In October 1984, he put the song on his third album, My Zydeco Shoes Got the Zydeco Blues. He recorded the whole album at his home studio. He played all the instruments himself!

In January 1985, "My Toot Toot" was released as a single in Louisiana and Texas. It quickly became a huge hit in those areas. Thanks to a music manager named Cleon Floyd, the song became very popular in New Orleans. Soon, a major record company, Epic Records, released it across the country.

For a short time, Rockin' Sidney made music history. "My Toot Toot" reached the country Top 40 charts and stayed there for 18 weeks. Later that year, the song sold over a million copies, earning a platinum award. It also won a Grammy Award.

Sidney was featured in famous magazines like People and Rolling Stone. He appeared on many national TV shows, including Nashville Now and Hee Haw. "My Toot Toot" was also played in movies like One Good Cop and The Big Easy.

Many artists have covered "My Toot Toot," including Fats Domino and John Fogerty. A Spanish version, "Mi Cucu," sold over a million copies in Mexico and South America. A German beer company even used the song in their commercials. Even more than 20 years after its release, "My Toot Toot" continued to earn money from its use in Europe and from new versions by other musicians.

Later Years and Legacy

With the money he earned from "My Toot Toot," Sidney bought a radio station called KAOK in Lake Charles. He also bought a large entertainment complex and started his own record label. After his big hit, Sidney toured across the United States and Europe. He continued to record music, often playing all the instruments himself.

While no other song was as big as "My Toot Toot," several of his other songs became popular in zydeco music. These include "If It's Good for the Gander" and "Jalapeño Lena." Other bands still play these songs regularly.

Rockin' Sidney Simien passed away in 1998 after a long illness. He left behind his wife, three sons, and four grandchildren. He is remembered as a talented musician who brought zydeco music to a wider audience with his famous song.

Discography

Albums

Singles