les Freres Michot

Biography

Les Frères Michot is a renowned all-brothers Cajun band originating from the rural community of Pilette in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana. The Michot brothers—Rick, Tommy, Bobby, David, and Mike—grew up immersed in French-speaking Cajun culture, with deep family roots in the region and a heritage tracing back to early Acadian settlers. Their father, Louis J. Michot, Jr., was a prominent educator and politician, and both parents came from families where French was the first language. The brothers began playing music together informally in the mid-1960s and officially formed Les Frères Michot in 1986, aiming to preserve and celebrate the traditional Cajun 'bal de maison' (house dance) style.

Throughout their career, Les Frères Michot have been dedicated to performing authentic, all-acoustic Cajun music, eschewing drums and electric instruments in favor of fiddle, accordion, acoustic guitar, p’tit fer (triangle), and upright bass. Their repertoire features both traditional songs and original compositions, all sung in French, and their harmonies and arrangements have become a hallmark of their sound. The group has released several albums, including 'Elevés à Pilette' (1987), 'La Roue Qui Pend' (2003), and 'La Caroline' (2008), and has performed extensively across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. Their music has been featured in documentaries, films, and on national media, contributing significantly to the preservation and global appreciation of Cajun culture.

The legacy of Les Frères Michot extends beyond their own performances: their children, notably André and Louis Michot, have become influential musicians in their own right, carrying forward the family tradition with groups like the Lost Bayou Ramblers. The Michot family’s commitment to Cajun music has made them cultural ambassadors, introducing audiences worldwide to the richness of Louisiana’s musical heritage.

Fun Facts

• Les Frères Michot have performed for world leaders, including U.S. presidents and English royalty.
• Their debut album was produced by Zachary Richard and features Dewey Balfa, a legendary Cajun fiddler, on several tracks.
• The band’s music is entirely sung in French, reflecting their commitment to preserving Louisiana’s French heritage.
• Two of the Michot brothers, Rick and Mike, have also served in prominent public roles—Rick as a state district judge and Mike as a state senator.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dewey Balfa - Cajun fiddle legend who played as a guest musician on their debut album and influenced their traditional style (Elevés à Pilette (1987)) [1980s]
• Zachary Richard - Produced their first album and contributed vocals, serving as both a collaborator and stylistic influence (Elevés à Pilette (1987)) [1987]

Key Collaborators

• André Michot - Tommy's son, joined the band as a musician on later albums (La Roue Qui Pend (2003)) [2000s]
• Louis Michot - Tommy's son, joined the band and later became a key figure in Lost Bayou Ramblers (La Roue Qui Pend (2003)) [2000s]
• Patrick Michot - Rick's son, featured on the album 'La Caroline' (La Caroline (2008)) [2008]

Artists Influenced

• Lost Bayou Ramblers - Band founded by André and Louis Michot, who were raised in the Les Frères Michot tradition (Multiple albums and performances) [1999–present]
• Michot's Melody Makers - Louis Michot's later project, continuing the family’s Cajun music legacy (Cosmic Cajuns (2018), other albums) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Danse De Mardi Gras (Elevés à Pilette)
2. Le Reel a Patrick (Elevés à Pilette)
3. La jument de Michot (La roue qui pend)
4. J'irais la voir un jour (La roue qui pend)
5. J'etais Au Bal (Elevés à Pilette)
6. La Valse a Howard Hebert (Elevés à Pilette)
7. Two-step De Ste. Marie (Elevés à Pilette)
8. Une Livre De Tabac (Elevés à Pilette)
9. Two-step De Cote Gelee (Elevés à Pilette)
10. Two-step De Pilette (Elevés à Pilette)

External Links

• Spotify