Les Getrex

Biography

Les Getrex is a blues guitarist, vocalist, and singer-songwriter who emerged from New Orleans' rich musical heritage. Growing up in the Sixth Ward of New Orleans as the fourth of five children, Getrex was immersed in music from an early age, drawing inspiration from the gospel church and the vibrant blues culture surrounding him. By 1975, he had developed sufficient confidence and technical skills to join his first band, Burnt Toast and Coffee, and purchased his first electric guitar, marking the beginning of his professional musical journey. His early work included the notable blues single "Don't Say A Mumblin' Word" released in 1976, which established him as a serious blues artist.

Throughout his career, Les Getrex has become recognized as one of the last authentic bluesmen, with a profound and genuine sound rooted deeply in New Orleans blues tradition. His blues-filled guitar work and soulful voice reflect his upbringing in the Sixth Ward, his gospel church background, and his lifelong dedication to the blues. Getrex has performed extensively throughout his career, including appearances at prestigious venues and festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2011, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest in 2024, and the NOLA Jazz Museum in 2022. He has also expanded his reach internationally, delighting Russian fans in 2015, and has performed regularly aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway ship in their Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club. His band, Les Getrex and His All Star Band (also known as Les Getrex 'n' Creole Cookin'), continues to perform at various venues including The Rock R&B club in New Orleans, establishing him as an enduring figure in the contemporary blues scene.

Fun Facts

• Les Getrex has performed on Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway ship, regularly performing in their Fat Cats Jazz & Blues Club, bringing blues music to cruise passengers
• He was featured in a commercial for Katerina's restaurant in Chicago, expanding his visibility beyond the New Orleans music scene
• Getrex performed at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in 2011 and has maintained an active performance calendar throughout his career, demonstrating remarkable longevity in the blues music scene
• His band is also known as 'Les Getrex 'n' Creole Cookin',' reflecting the cultural fusion of New Orleans blues with local culinary traditions

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gospel Church - Early musical and spiritual influence that shaped his soulful vocal style and musical foundation (General influence on overall artistic development) [Childhood/early years]

Key Collaborators

• Burnt Toast and Coffee - First professional band where Getrex developed his skills as a guitarist and vocalist (Band membership) [1975 onwards]
• Les Getrex and His All Star Band - Primary performing ensemble featuring Getrex as lead guitarist and vocalist (Les Getrex 'n' Creole Cookin' performances) [Ongoing]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Elvina (Soul Romantix Vol. II)
2. Fool for You (Sound of New Orleans Blue Ribbon Blues)
3. Indian Red (Sound of New Orleans 1992-2005)
4. Farther on up the Road (Live) (Live Must Go On)
5. Farther On Up The Road (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)
6. Fool For You (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)
7. Misty (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)
8. Elvina (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)
9. Hallelujah I Love Her So (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)
10. Tennessee Waltz (Les Getrex Sings the Classics)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)
• MusicBrainz