John Boutte/ Paul Sanchez

Biography

John Boutté and Paul Sanchez are two celebrated musicians from New Orleans whose collaboration embodies the city’s rich musical tapestry. John Boutté, born in 1958 to a Creole family in New Orleans’ 7th Ward, grew up immersed in music and church traditions. Influenced by jazz, R&B, and gospel, he developed a distinctive vocal style, often described as reedy and soulful, reminiscent of Sam Cooke. Boutté’s performances at local venues like d.b.a. on Frenchmen Street and his stirring post-Katrina renditions, such as Randy Newman’s “Louisiana,” have made him a beloved figure in the city’s music scene[4][6][7][8].

Paul Sanchez, born November 6, 1959, also hails from New Orleans and was raised in the Irish Channel neighborhood. He began performing at age fifteen and became a founding member of the rock band Cowboy Mouth, contributing as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from 1990 to 2006. After Hurricane Katrina, Sanchez left Cowboy Mouth and returned to New Orleans, focusing on solo work and songwriting. He is known for blending New Orleans street music, introspective singer-songwriter traditions, and rock, and has released over 20 solo albums[1][2][5].

The partnership between Boutté and Sanchez is best exemplified by their 2009 album "Stew Called New Orleans," a project that fuses Sanchez’s songwriting with Boutté’s expressive vocals. Their collaboration, marked by mutual respect and deep roots in New Orleans’ musical heritage, extends to the theatrical production “Nine Lives,” a song cycle chronicling the stories of New Orleanians who survived hurricanes Betsy and Katrina. Together, they have contributed significantly to the preservation and evolution of New Orleans’ musical legacy[3][4].

Fun Facts

• John Boutté’s voice was featured in the opening credits of the HBO series 'Treme,' which depicted post-Katrina New Orleans life[8].
• Paul Sanchez’s song 'Jet Black & Jealous' was covered by the Eli Young Band and became a top-five Billboard Country Album[1].
• Boutté is known for his legendary, intimate performances at the d.b.a. club on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans[4].
• Paul Sanchez appeared as himself in the HBO series 'Treme' and has acted in several other television productions[5].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lillian Boutté - John Boutté’s sister and a renowned gospel singer, she influenced his early exposure to music and performance. (Family gospel performances) [1960s–1970s]
• New Orleans jazz and R&B legends - John Boutté grew up listening to hometown legends, shaping his vocal style and repertoire. (General influence) [1960s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Paul Sanchez - Boutté’s close collaborator on the album 'Stew Called New Orleans' and the musical 'Nine Lives.' (Stew Called New Orleans, Nine Lives) [2009–present]
• Cowboy Mouth - Paul Sanchez was a founding member, guitarist, and songwriter for the band. (Multiple albums and tours) [1990–2006]
• Susan Cowsill - Frequent collaborator with Paul Sanchez on songwriting and performance projects. (Various co-written songs) [2000s–present]
• Irma Thomas - Paul Sanchez wrote songs performed by Irma Thomas, the 'Soul Queen of New Orleans.' (Various songs) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Younger New Orleans musicians - Boutté and Sanchez have inspired a new generation of New Orleans artists through their performances, songwriting, and mentorship. (Nine Lives, Stew Called New Orleans) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Stew Called New Orleans (Stew Called New Orleans)
2. Hey God (Stew Called New Orleans)
3. American Tune (Stew Called New Orleans)
4. Two-five-one (Stew Called New Orleans)
5. I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say (Stew Called New Orleans)
6. Call Me Superstitious (Stew Called New Orleans)
7. An Empty Chair (Stew Called New Orleans)
8. Don't Smoke Around Susie (Stew Called New Orleans)
9. Wakes Me Up to Say Good-bye (Stew Called New Orleans)
10. A Meaning or a Message (Stew Called New Orleans)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia