The Boogie Kings

History

The band began in Eunice, Louisiana in 1955 with teenage members Doug Ardoin, Skip Morris, Bert Miller, and Harris Miller. In the mid-1960s, trumpeter Ned Theall from Abbeville joined and became leader, shifting the group's style from swamp pop to blue-eyed soul. In early 1965, the band released its first self-titled album on the Jin label, recorded at Floyd Soileau's studio in Ville Platte. Front man Clint West (born Clinton Joseph Guillory in Ville Platte on August 11, 1938) provided leadership, booking the band outside the Evangeline Parish and Acadiana area.

His vocals on songs like "Try Me" and "Big Blue Diamonds" brought success. The band later separated from West, who then led his own version called "The Fabulous Kings"; West died on June 28, 2016, in Opelousas. Trumpeter G.G. Shinn began featuring on vocals, and by May 1965 Jerry LaCroix (as Jerry "Count" Jackson) joined. A new album recorded in New Orleans at Cosimo Matassa's studio under Sam Montel's production was released in late summer 1965, boosting the band's popularity.

In winter-spring 1966, the band traveled to Las Vegas hoping for a breakthrough with a 45 rpm by Huey Meaux, but the tour was not successful. They returned to Louisiana in June 1966. The Las Vegas experience improved their presentation, but friction with G.G. Shinn led to his departure in summer 1966, replaced by Duane Yates of the Capris. Lawsuits later prohibited Clint West from using the name "Boogie Kings".

Recordings

The Boogie Kings have released twelve studio albums, three compilations, and a double compilation album, all on Jin Records. An upcoming studio album is yet to be released. The latest album, LEGACY, came out in February 2016, recorded in 2009 with Ned Theall leading and featuring Parker James and Greg Martinez on vocals; it contains eleven blue-eyed soul songs. Ned Theall died on January 8, 2010.

Members

The Boogie Kings’ lineup has shifted over time. Musicians who have played with the group include Doug Ardoin, Skip Morris, Norris Badeaux, Bryan Leger, Mike Pollard, Ned Theall, Dan Silas, Duane Yates, G.G. Shin, Tommy Joe Richard, Christian Romero, Jerry "Count Jackson" Lacroix, Jon Smith, Bert and Harris Miller, Gary Walker, Willie Tee Trahan, Jerry Henderson, Tommie Joe Richard, Nick Farkas, Sed Sedlak, Gregg Martinez, Ted Broussard, Allen Wayne, Clint West, Ronnie Crowley, Alex Melton, David Hyde, Tommy "Bubba" Robin, Steve Morrow, Bubba Boudreaux, Shayne Whitmore, Mike Ritter, Jeffrey J Fournet, Paul and Tony Field, Dale Gothia, Gary Dorsey, and Glen Guilbeau.