Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp

Biography

Roy 'Chubby' Carrier, Jr., born on July 1, 1967, in Church Point, Louisiana, hails from a legendary third-generation zydeco family, including his father Roy Carrier, grandfather Warren Carrier, and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier. He began his musical journey at age 12, playing drums with his father's band, The Carrier Brothers, making his debut at the American Legion Hall in Church Point without prior rehearsal. By age 15, he switched to accordion, and at 17, he joined Terrance Simien and the Mallet Playboys, touring worldwide for two and a half years, including a memorable State Department tour in North Africa.[1][3][4]

In 1989, with Terrance Simien's encouragement, Chubby formed Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, embarking on an ambitious mission to spread zydeco globally. The band toured extensively—up to 275 days a year—across the US (including Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, Europe, and North Africa, performing at major festivals like New Orleans Jazz & Heritage and Chicago Blues Festival, even before signing with labels. They recorded seven studio albums with Blind Pig and Flying Fish Records, often marketed as zydeco blues on blues circuits, before releasing albums on Chubby's own Swampadellic Records label. Their 2010 album Zydeco Junkie won a Grammy for Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album, cementing their status.[1][2][3]

Known as the 'World’s Premier Zydeco Showman,' Chubby blends traditional zydeco with blues influences, emphasizing high-energy performances that ignite joy and promote Louisiana Creole culture. The band appeared in the 2016 stage production Jambalaya, the Musical in New Orleans and continues to tour 150-175 days annually, leaving audiences worldwide with smiles and a deeper appreciation for zydeco.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Chubby made his zydeco debut at age 12 behind the drums with his father's band at a crowded American Legion Hall in Church Point, with no prior rehearsal, thrilling the crowd.[1]
• His favorite touring memory is a State Department-sponsored North Africa tour with Terrance Simien (Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan), fulfilling a dream his father and grandfather couldn't achieve.[4]
• The band was marketed as 'zydeco blues' and played blues circuits despite being pure zydeco, helping build their international audience before label deals.[1]
• Chubby aims to be remembered as the 'Jimi Hendrix of the accordion,' focusing on high-energy shows that leave festival crowds smiling.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Roy Carrier - Father and first bandleader; taught through family tradition and early performances (The Carrier Brothers band) [1979-1980s (started at age 12)]
• Terrance Simien - Band leader who provided global touring experience and blessing to form own band (Terrance Simien and the Mallet Playboys tours including North Africa) [1984-1989 (age 17 for 2.5 years)]
• Warren Carrier - Grandfather, zydeco pioneer in family dynasty (Zydeco performances paving the way) [Family influence pre-1979]

Key Collaborators

• Earl Sally - Harmonica player and vital band member; previously with Terrence Simien (Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band live performances) [2000-present]
• Randy Ellis - Guitarist bringing blues-zydeco fusion (Tours in US, Canada, Europe) [1995, later periods]
• Dave Nezat - Drummer with extensive national act experience (Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band rhythms) [Recent (post-Colorado return)]
• Mark Metoyer - Bass player with zydeco pedigree (Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band) [2010-present]

Artists Influenced

• Bebe Carrier - Cousin and zydeco legend; Chubby carries forward family legacy they helped establish (Continued zydeco tradition) [Ongoing family influence]
• Calvin Carrier - Cousin and zydeco legend; inspired Chubby's global mission to spread zydeco beyond their reach (Zydeco gospel worldwide) [Ongoing]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia