Biography
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas are a south Louisiana zydeco band. Its members include Nathan J. Williams (accordion, vocals), Dennis Paul Williams (lead guitar, background vocals), Mark A. Williams (rubboard, background vocals), Paul Newman (bass guitar), and Herman Brown, Jr. (drums).
Nathan Williams grew up in a Creole speaking household in St. Martinville. He had an early interest in zydeco music, and as a child, Nathan attempted to watch a Clifton Chenier performance through the window of a St. Martinville bar, the Casino Club. His brother and band manager, Sid “Sid-O” Williams, was also a major influence, as he received his first accordion from him. The accordion’s previous owner had been Buckwheat Zydeco. Nathan attended Buckwheat’s performances, trying to learn from the experienced showman, and eventually earned the opportunity to perform together. Sidelined by an illness, Nathan felt that it was time to reexamine the priorities in his life, and decided to put together a band. Nathan began his twenty-year profession by performing for free at Sid’s Lafayette, La. club, El-Sid O’s, soon becoming a popular performer on the dance hall circuit.
Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas have been featured in numerous movies (The Big Easy), commercials (Budweiser frogs), and television programs. The band received several awards, including Offbeat’s “Best Zydeco Band” and “Best Zydeco Album.
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