Biography
Stanley Joseph Dural Jr., known worldwide as Buckwheat Zydeco, was born on November 14, 1947, in Lafayette, Louisiana. Growing up in a Creole household, he was surrounded by zydeco and Gulf Coast music, but initially gravitated toward R&B, funk, and soul. By his teens, he was already a skilled organist, performing with bands and recording for Allen Toussaint. In 1971, he formed Buckwheat and the Hitchhikers, a 15-piece funk and soul band that became a regional sensation. Despite his early resistance to zydeco, Dural’s life changed when he joined Clifton Chenier’s Red Hot Louisiana Band as an organist in 1976. Inspired by Chenier’s energy and the audience’s response, he embraced zydeco and began learning the accordion, forming his own band, Buckwheat Zydeco, in 1979.
Buckwheat Zydeco quickly became the most commercially successful zydeco artist, blending traditional Creole rhythms with contemporary rock, soul, and funk influences. His partnership with manager and producer Ted Fox led to a major-label deal with Island Records in 1986, broadening his reach and introducing zydeco to new audiences. Over his five-decade career, Dural released over 25 albums, earned five Grammy nominations, and won one Grammy. He performed globally, sharing stages with legends like Eric Clapton, U2, Robert Plant, and The Boston Pops, and played at major events including the 1996 Olympics closing ceremonies and President Clinton’s inaugurations. His music was celebrated for its joyful, danceable energy and its role in popularizing zydeco culture.
Buckwheat Zydeco’s legacy is that of a genre ambassador who modernized zydeco without losing its roots. He was known for his dynamic stage presence and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His work earned him an Emmy for the music in the CBS TV movie Pistol Pete: The Life And Times Of Pete Maravich, and his theme song for the PBS series Pierre Franey’s Cooking In America. He continued to record and tour until his passing on September 24, 2016, leaving behind a rich musical heritage that continues to inspire.
Fun Facts
- Buckwheat Zydeco was nicknamed for his unruly hair, which resembled the character Buckwheat from the "Our Gang" (Little Rascals) series.
- He was the first zydeco artist to sign with a major label (Island Records) and helped bring zydeco to a global audience.
- Buckwheat Zydeco won an Emmy for his music in the CBS TV movie Pistol Pete: The Life And Times Of Pete Maravich.
- He co-wrote and performed the theme song for the PBS television series Pierre Franey’s Cooking In America.
Associated Acts
- Buckwheat Zydeco & Ils Sont Partis Band
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Clifton Chenier - Primary mentor and inspiration; Buckwheat joined Chenier's Red Hot Louisiana Band as organist in 1976, which led him to embrace zydeco and learn the accordion. (Red Hot Louisiana Band) [1976–1979]
Key Collaborators
- Ted Fox - Manager, producer, and frequent collaborator; instrumental in Buckwheat's signing with Island Records and shaping his crossover sound. (Island Records albums, management) [1986–2016]
- Eric Clapton - Buckwheat Zydeco opened for Clapton's North American tour and his 12-night stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall. (Eric Clapton tours) [1988]
- U2 - Shared stages with U2 during major tours. (U2 tours) [1980s–1990s]
- Robert Plant - Shared stages and recorded together. (Live performances, recordings) [1980s–1990s]
- The Boston Pops - Featured guest; The Boston Pops performed orchestrated versions of Buckwheat Zydeco numbers. (Boston Pops concerts) [1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Zydeco Artists - Buckwheat Zydeco's modernization of zydeco and crossover success inspired a new generation of zydeco musicians to blend traditional and contemporary styles. (General influence on zydeco genre) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Waitin' For My Ya Ya | 1985-01-01 | Album |
| On A Night Like This | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Where There's Smoke There's Fire | 1990-01-01 | Album |
| Choo Choo Boogaloo: Zydeco Music For Families | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Lay Your Burden Down | 2009-04-30 | Album |
| Buckwheat's Zydeco Party | 1987-01-01 | Album |
| Five Card Stud | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Taking It Home | 1988-09-07 | Album |
| Classics | 2003-01-01 | Album |
| Jackpot! | 2005-06-07 | Album |
| Download Live! The El Sid O's Thanksgiving Session | 2001 | Album |
| Bayou Boogie | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| Buckwheat's Zydeco Party (Deluxe Edition) | 2001-09-18 | Album |
| Menagerie: The Essential Zydeco Collection | 1993-01-26 | Album |
| Let the Good Times Roll: Essential Recordings | 2010-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Tee Nah Nah (Waitin' For My Ya Ya)
- On A Night Like This (On A Night Like This)
- Ya Ya (Waitin' For My Ya Ya)
- Ma Tit Fille (On A Night Like This)
- Beast Of Burden (Where There's Smoke There's Fire)
- Crawfish Song (Choo Choo Boogaloo: Zydeco Music For Families)
- Hot Tamale Baby (On A Night Like This)
- Throw Me Something, Mister (Lay Your Burden Down)
- Hey Good Lookin' (Where There's Smoke There's Fire)
- Walkin' To New Orleans (Waitin' For My Ya Ya)
External Links
Tags: #country, #rhythm-and-blues, #zydeco
References
Heard on WWOZ
BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 30, 2025 | 13:38 | Iko Ikofrom Choo Choo Boogaloo | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | 13:17 | Hot Tamale Babyfrom Buckwheat`s Zydeco Party [Deluxe | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Nov 17, 2025 | 15:33 | HOT TAMALE BABYfrom ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | 13:59 | When the levee breaksfrom Lay Your Burden Down | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs | |
| Sep 21, 2025 | 13:34 | Zydeco Boogaloofrom Buckwheat's Zydeco Party | Cajun and Zydecow/ Charles Laborde or Jim Hobbs |