Biography
Cowboy Mouth formed in 1990 in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerging from the city's vibrant punk rock and new music scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The band was founded by drummer and frontman Fred LeBlanc, who had previously performed with the punkabilly band Dash Rip Rock, and guitarist John Thomas Griffith, formerly the lead singer of the Red Rockers, a successful touring band that performed with artists like U2, the Go-Go's, and Men at Work. Completing the original lineup were bassist Rob Savoy, who had fronted the Blues Runners, and guitarist Paul Sanchez, a solo performer from New Orleans' Irish Channel neighborhood. The band's festive, free-wheeling style stood in sharp contrast to the then-popular grunge sound, creating a unique blend of rock, punk, blues, funk, country, and soul that reflected their New Orleans heritage.[1][4][6]
Cowboy Mouth achieved significant commercial success throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 1996, they signed with MCA Records and released their major label debut, Are You with Me?, which included material from Sanchez's solo album Jet Black and Jealous. The band followed this with the studio album Mercyland in 1998 and numerous live recordings. Their signature song, "Jenny Says," reached the upper half of the Billboard rock charts, becoming their most recognizable hit.[1][2][3] Over three decades of touring and recording, the band has sold more than 500,000 albums domestically, performed before more than 9-10 million fans, and played over 2,500-3,000 concerts, frequently averaging 250 shows per year.[2][3][5] The band's current lineup includes co-founders LeBlanc and Griffith, alongside bassist Brian "Bruiser" Broussard (who joined in 2014) and guitarist Frank "Frankie G" Grocholski, continuing their legacy as one of rock music's most relentless touring acts.[5]
Fun Facts
- Fred LeBlanc, the band's frontman and drummer, was born deaf, making his role as a percussionist and vocalist particularly remarkable and inspiring.[8]
- The band's name originated from a theatrical play, reflecting the artistic and creative roots of the New Orleans music scene.[1]
- Cowboy Mouth has performed an average of 250 concerts per year throughout their career, establishing themselves as one of rock music's most relentless touring acts, with over 3,000 total performances.[5]
- Fred LeBlanc has described Cowboy Mouth's sound as what would result if "The Neville Brothers and The Clash had a baby," perfectly capturing their unique blend of New Orleans funk and punk rock energy.[5]
Members
- Rob Savoy (from 1995-05 until 2003-03)
- Sonia Tetlow (from 2004 until 2007-05-12)
- Vance DeGeneres (from 2006-12 until 2007-08)
- Regina Zernay (from 2007-05-12)
- Jonathan Pretus (from 2007)
- Brian Broussard (from 2014)
- Paul Sanchez (until 2006-11)
- John Thomas Griffith
- Frankie G
- Fred LeBlanc
Original Members
- Regina Zernay
- Jonathan Pretus
- Brian Broussard
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Glenn Miller and Dean Martin - Early musical influences through parental listening (Classic albums from their catalogs) [Childhood (1960s)]
- Motown and British Invasion Artists - Radio-based influences during formative years (Various 1960s hits) [1960s]
- Cajun and Country-Western Musicians - Regional musical traditions influencing the band's sound (Traditional Louisiana music) [Ongoing]
- Bo Diddley - Bluesy, beat-driven music as major influence on Cowboy Mouth's sound (Bo Diddley's catalog) [Ongoing influence]
Key Collaborators
- The Red Rockers - John Thomas Griffith's former band before Cowboy Mouth (Red Rockers recordings and tours) [1980s]
- Dash Rip Rock - Fred LeBlanc's former punkabilly band before Cowboy Mouth (Dash Rip Rock recordings) [1980s]
- The Blues Runners - Rob Savoy's former blues and Cajun music band (Blues Runners recordings) [1987-1993]
- The Backbeats - Paul Sanchez's early band formation (Backbeats recordings) [Early career]
- Texas Tornadoes - John Thomas Griffith performs as a member (Texas Tornadoes recordings) [Ongoing]
- U2, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Go-Go's, the B-52s - Major touring acts that Cowboy Mouth toured with (Various tours) [1990s]
- Hootie and the Blowfish - Cowboy Mouth served as opening act (Tour dates) [1995]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Word of Mouth | 1996 | Album |
| Are You With Me? | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| Easy | 2000 | Album |
| The Name of the Band Is, Vol. 2 | 2018-05-04 | Album |
| Mercyland | 1998-01-01 | Album |
| All You Need Is Live | 2000 | Album |
| It Means Escape | 1994 | Album |
| This Train | 2013-09-03 | Album |
| Uh-Oh | 2004-11-15 | Album |
| Live At The Zoo | 2005-02-11 | Album |
| Live At The 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | 2023-08-12 | Album |
| Go! | 2014-06-10 | Album |
| Cowboys And Indians | 1986 | Album |
| Cover Yo' Azz! | 2025-08-15 | Album |
| Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival | 2025-07-03 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Jenny Says (Word of Mouth)
- Jenny Says (Are You With Me?)
- How Do You Tell Someone (Are You With Me?)
- Easy (Easy)
- Iko Iko
- Love Of My Life (Are You With Me?)
- New Orleans (Are You With Me?)
- I Believe (The Name of the Band Is, Vol. 2)
- Take It Out On Me (Are You With Me?)
- Everybody Loves Jill
External Links
- Spotify
- [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
- MusicBrainz
Tags: #alternative-rock, #american, #rock
Heard on WWOZ
Cowboy Mouth has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 27, 2025 | 11:14 | The Avenuefrom Voodoo Shopppe | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici |