| Beau Jacques | |
|---|---|
Beau Jacques at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, 1997 |
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 1, 1952 |
| Died | September 10, 1999 (aged 46) Kenner, Louisiana |
| Genres | Zydeco |
| Instruments | Accordion |
Beau Jacques (born Andrus J. Esprit, November 1, 1953 - September 10, 1999) was an American zydeco musician active in the 1990s.
Beau Jacques is known for his gruff vocals, his fusion of many musical styles onto zydeco, and above all, for the powerful energy of his rhythm and sound. Backed by the Hi-Rollers, he became one of the top dance-hall acts of his musical decade.
Beau Jacques died in his car, of a heart attack at the height of his career. He is buried in Saint Matildas Cemetery, Eunice, Louisiana.
Beau Jacques was born Andrus Esprit. He was also known to write poetry, and preach about respecting nature. He spent nine years in the Air Force, then came home to work as an electrician and welder. After a work-related accident, which left him bedridden for a time, he began playing accordion. Soon after, he put a band together, including his wife, Shelly on rubboard. By 1989, just two years after his accident, Espree was one of the biggest draws on the Louisiana zydeco circuit.
Andrus grew up speaking Louisiana French and spoke it fluently. A large man (6'6" and 270 pounds) he took the stage name "Beau Jacques," which is Louisiana Creole for "Big Guy." After only a few years, he had revolutionized the zydeco scene, adding funk and rock elements with his band, the Hi-Rollers. His lifestyle caught up with him, however, and after only a few years of regional stardom he died of a heart attack in 1999.