Biography
Andrew Duhon is a singer-songwriter from New Orleans, Louisiana, whose music blends the storytelling tradition of folk with the soulful melancholy of blues and the rhythmic grooves of his native city. Raised in a Catholic family, Duhon first picked up the guitar as a teenager, initially playing praise and worship music for his school’s campus ministry. A torn rotator cuff ended his baseball aspirations, giving him time to immerse himself in songwriting and the rich musical heritage of New Orleans[1]. His fascination with writers like Emerson, Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Robert Frost shaped his lyrical approach, infusing his songs with poetic depth and personal reflection[3].
Duhon’s early career was rooted in the French Quarter, where he honed his craft at open mic nights and worked odd jobs to support his passion. He released his debut album, "Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You," in 2008[2]. His partnership with Grammy-winning producer Trina Shoemaker led to three albums, including "The Moorings" (2013), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Engineered Album[1][2][5]. Subsequent releases like "False River" (2018, produced by Eric Masse) and "Emerald Blue" (2022) showcased his evolving sound and narrative artistry, drawing from personal experiences such as heartbreak and the solace found in nature[1][4][5].
Duhon’s musical style is characterized by a blend of folk, blues, and New Orleans groove, with influences from Delta bluesmen, master songwriters, and the city’s acoustic traditions. His honest songwriting and soulful voice have garnered a dedicated following in the US and Europe, often performing as the Andrew Duhon Trio. His legacy lies in his ability to capture the spirit of New Orleans while pushing its musical boundaries, offering listeners a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience[2][9].
Fun Facts
- Duhon’s first paid gig came from an open mic night, leading to a bar owner investing in his early recordings[1].
- He once hosted a listening party for his album 'False River' under a chandelier hanging from an oak tree in the woods[1].
- During the pandemic, Duhon wrote over 40 songs, many of which were shared in his 'Quarantine Song Series' on YouTube[1][5].
- He created 'BreakFest,' a mini-festival held during brunch hours at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival[1].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Trina Shoemaker - Producer and engineer who guided Duhon through three albums, shaping his sound and production quality. (The Moorings (2013), Emerald Blue (2022)) [2012–2022]
Key Collaborators
- Myles Weeks - Upright bass player in the Andrew Duhon Trio and on studio recordings. (False River (2018), live performances) [2014–present]
- Jim Kolacek - Drummer in the Andrew Duhon Trio, touring and recording partner. (Live performances, studio albums) [2014–present]
- Eric Masse - Producer for the album False River, contributed to shaping its sound. (False River (2018)) [2017–2018]
Artists Influenced
- Emerging New Orleans folk and blues artists - Duhon's blend of folk storytelling and New Orleans groove has inspired younger musicians in the local scene. (Local open mic and songwriting circles) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Moorings | 2013-04-30 | Album |
| False River | 2018-05-25 | Album |
| Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You | 2009-01-30 | Album |
| The Parish Record | 2025-04-04 | Album |
| Emerald Blue | 2022-07-29 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Comin' around (False River)
- The Moorings (The Moorings)
- Gonna Take a Little Rain (The Moorings)
- Coming Down Over Here (Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You)
- No Man's Land (False River)
- Evelyn (The Moorings)
- Just Another Beautiful Girl (The Moorings)
- Shotgun Religion (Shotgun Religion)
- They Don't Make 'em... (False River)
- Still Holding On (False River)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Andrew Duhon has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7, 2025 | 15:11 | Waco Kool-Aidfrom The Parish Record | Homespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River | |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 11:20 | Girl From Plaqueminefrom The Parish Record | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams |