Biography
King Louie One Man Band was a solo project founded by Louis Paul Bankston (December 18, 1972 – February 12, 2022) at the dawn of the new century, around 1999. Bankston, an American rock and roll musician from New Orleans, created this unique one-man operation after abandoning traditional garage rock in 1998 to explore Louisiana swamp pop, boogie woogie, boogie rock, and power pop. In the King Louie One Man Band, Bankston performed as a multi-instrumentalist, singing while playing drums, guitar, cowbell, and harmonica, creating a distinctive sound that was both jokey and hard-to-define. The project released several 7-inch records on various independent labels and put out a full-length LP on Goner Records in 2004.
The King Louie One Man Band became one of Bankston's most beloved and well-known projects, characterized by raw, jangly arrangements and a goofy sense of humor that reflected his creative energy and prolific output. Performances were unpredictable affairs where audiences never quite knew what they would experience, as Bankston's racing creative engine drove each show in different directions. This solo venture represented a departure from his earlier work with bands like the Royal Pendletons, The Persuaders, and The Exploding Hearts, allowing him to explore a more personal and experimental approach to music-making.
Bankston's career was marked by remarkable resilience despite struggles with substance use and health issues. He remained deeply connected to the New Orleans music community and continued creating music across multiple projects throughout his life. The King Louie One Man Band exemplified his philosophy that all music was ultimately just music, regardless of genre boundaries. Bankston passed away on February 12, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of 53 vinyl records and a profound impact on the garage rock and power pop communities across New Orleans, Portland, and Memphis.
Fun Facts
- Bankston was a multi-instrumentalist who played vocals, guitar, bass, percussion, and keyboards across his various projects, demonstrating remarkable musical versatility throughout his career.
- In the King Louie One Man Band, Bankston performed solo while simultaneously playing drums, guitar, cowbell, and harmonica, creating a unique one-man show experience that was unpredictable and often humorous.
- Bankston released an impressive 53 records in vinyl format throughout his career, showcasing his prolific output and dedication to analog recording formats.
- Despite being offered major label deals with The Exploding Hearts in 2003, Bankston made the remarkable choice to leave the band and return to New Orleans rather than pursue mainstream success, prioritizing his roots and community over commercial opportunity.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Alex Chilton - Power-pop legend who worked with Bankston as co-founder of the Royal Pendletons (Royal Pendletons recordings) [1991 onwards]
Key Collaborators
- Michael Hurtt - Co-founder of Royal Pendletons, guitarist and vocalist (Royal Pendletons) [1991-1990s]
- J. Matthew Uhlman - Co-founder of Royal Pendletons, guitarist and vocalist (Royal Pendletons) [1991-1990s]
- G. Thomas Oliver - Co-founder of Royal Pendletons, organist (Royal Pendletons) [1991-1990s]
- Jason Panzer - Guitarist and vocalist in The Persuaders, both played Gibson Flying V guitars (The Persuaders) [1996-1990s]
- Shaggy - Drummer in The Persuaders (The Persuaders) [1996-1990s]
- Julien Fried - Lead guitarist and longtime collaborator, formed Missing Monuments and Black Rose Band together (Missing Monuments, Black Rose Band) [2000s]
- Aaron Hill - Drummer in King Louie's Missing Monuments (King Louie's Missing Monuments) [2009]
- Bennette Bartley - Bassist in King Louie's Missing Monuments (King Louie's Missing Monuments) [2009]
- Jack Oblivian - Collaborator in Loose Diamonds bar band (Loose Diamonds) [2000s]
- Harlan T. Bobo - Collaborator in Loose Diamonds bar band (Loose Diamonds) [2000s]
- Gary Wrong - Collaborator in Loose Diamonds bar band (Loose Diamonds) [2000s]
- Terry Six - Surviving Exploding Hearts guitarist, formed duo Terry & Louie (Terry & Louie) [2000s]
- Mr. Quintron - Co-founder of Kondor, a New Orleans biker-rock band (Kondor) [2000s]
- Eric Oblivian - Co-founder of Bad Times, a garage rock supergroup (Bad Times) [1990s-2000s]
- Jay Reatard - Co-founder of Bad Times, garage rock supergroup member (Bad Times) [1990s-2000s]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Crawfish | 2005 | Album |
| Jesus Loves My One Man Band | 2023-09-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Beat Up by a Girl (Gonerfest 2)
- Jesus Loves My One Man Band (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- She's a Big Bopper (Chinese Crawfish)
- One Man (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- Nuclear Crucifixion (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- Don't Cook That Cabbage (It Makes the Whole House Stink!) (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- Headin' for the Big City Lights (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- Pumpin' Propane (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- A Hitchiker's Souvenier (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
- Doin' the Pork Chop (Jesus Loves My One Man Band)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
King Louie One Man Band has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 3, 2025 | 22:21 | Don't Cook That Cabbagefrom King Louie One Man Band | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 23:29 | One Manfrom 45 | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. | |
| Sep 17, 2025 | 23:27 | She's A Big Big Bopperfrom 45 | Kitchen Sinkw/ A.J. Rodrigue and A.A. |