Terrance Simien facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Terrance Simien
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Simien performing in February 2008
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| Background information | |
| Born | 3 September 1965 Mallet, Louisiana, U.S |
| Genres | Zydeco, roots music, Americana |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Educator, Film scorer |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano, accordion, trumpet |
| Labels | Restless Records Tone Cool AIM Records Beadhead Records Black Top Records |
| Associated acts | Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience |
Terrance Simien (born September 3, 1965) is an American zydeco musician. He is a singer and writes songs. His band, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, has won two Grammy Awards. They won in 2008 for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album. They won again in 2014 for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Terrance Simien comes from a long line of Creole families. His family has lived in the Mallet area of St. Landry Parish for many generations.
He started learning music at home on the piano. He also sang in the Catholic Church choir. In school, he played the trumpet in the band.
As a teenager, Terrance taught himself to play the accordion. He then started his first band, Terrance Simien & The Mallet Playboys. They played at local zydeco clubs and church halls.
In the early 1980s, Terrance was one of the few young artists playing traditional zydeco music. This was important because older zydeco musicians were retiring. Young artists like Terrance helped keep this special music alive.
Music Career and Touring
Terrance Simien and his band have traveled all over the world. They have performed over 8,500 live shows in more than 45 countries. He has also released many albums and worked with other famous musicians. Some of these include Paul Simon, Dr. John, and Stevie Wonder.
Terrance has also worked on movie soundtracks and TV shows. He helped create music for the Disney film The Princess and the Frog. This movie is set in New Orleans and features real Louisiana music. He also contributed to the music for movies like The Big Easy.
Terrance and his wife, Cynthia, are passionate about teaching others about Creole music. They created a program called "Creole for Kidz & The History of Zydeco." This program teaches students, teachers, and parents about the history of zydeco music. Since 2001, "Creole for Kidz" has reached almost 500,000 people. They have visited schools in over 20 states and many countries.
The Simiens also help new artists. They started MusicMatters, Inc., a non-profit group. This group supports music education and helps young musicians.
Grammy Awards
In 2007, Terrance and Cynthia helped create a new Grammy Award category. It was for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album.
His band, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, was the first to win this award. They won in 2008 for their album Live! Worldwide.
Discography
- Zydeco On the Bayou (Restless Records, 1990)
- There's Room for Us All (Black Top Records, 1993)
- Jam The Jazzfest (Valley Media, Inc, 1998)
- Positively Beadhead (Tone Cool, 1999)
- The Tribute Sessions (AIM Records, 2004)
- Creole For Kidz (Beadhead Records, 2004)
- Across the Parish Line (AIM Records, 2006)
- Live! Worldwide (Aim Records, 2007)
- Dockside Sessions (2014)
