Biography
Louis Michot is a renowned Cajun musician from South Louisiana, celebrated for his dynamic role as fiddler and vocalist in the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers and as the founder of Michot’s Melody Makers. Born into a musical family, Michot began his journey on the stand-up bass at age 14, performing with Les Freres Michot, a group led by his father and uncles. By age 19, he had picked up the fiddle and, alongside his brother Andre, formed Lost Bayou Ramblers, a band now recognized for revitalizing and innovating traditional Cajun music over two decades.
Michot’s career is marked by a deep commitment to Louisiana French culture and environmental activism. He has released over twenty albums, blending Cajun, zydeco, and experimental sounds, and has collaborated with a diverse array of artists. His solo debut, 'Rêve du Troubadour' (2023), showcases his multi-instrumental talents and his willingness to fuse Louisiana French traditions with global influences such as hip-hop and electronica. Michot’s music often incorporates field recordings from the Louisiana prairie and reflects his concern for local ecology, notably championing the survival of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a cause inspired by his biologist father.
Throughout his career, Michot has been instrumental in preserving Cajun heritage while pushing its boundaries. His collaborations span genres and continents, featuring artists like Bombino, Leyla McCalla, Quintron, and Shardé Thomas with the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band. Michot’s legacy lies in his innovative approach to folk traditions, his mentorship of younger musicians, and his advocacy for the cultural and environmental resilience of Louisiana.
Fun Facts
- Louis Michot’s violin and vocals were featured in the Oscar-nominated film 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' (2012).
- He began recording his solo album in a dry-docked houseboat named 'Sister Ray'.
- Michot is an advocate for environmental causes, notably raising funds for solar generators after Hurricane Ida.
- He is fluent in Louisiana French, which he learned both at home and by traveling through French Canada.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- David Michot - Uncle and early bandmate in Les Freres Michot; taught Louis bass and Cajun repertoire (Les Freres Michot performances) [early 1990s]
- Louis Michot Sr. - Father and leader of Les Freres Michot; instilled musical and ecological values (Les Freres Michot performances) [1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Andre Michot - Brother and co-founder of Lost Bayou Ramblers (Lost Bayou Ramblers albums) [2000-present]
- Bryan Webre - Bassist in Lost Bayou Ramblers and Michot’s Melody Makers (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot’s Melody Makers) [2010s-present]
- Kirkland Middleton - Drummer and engineer for Michot’s Melody Makers and solo projects (Michot’s Melody Makers, 'Rêve du Troubadour') [2010s-present]
- Quintron - Guest musician on solo album ('Rêve du Troubadour') [2022-2023]
- Shardé Thomas - Collaborator with and without her Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band ('Rêve du Troubadour') [2022-2023]
- Leyla McCalla - Guest vocalist and cellist on solo album ('Rêve du Troubadour') [2022-2023]
- Bombino - Nigerian Tuareg guitarist featured on solo album ('Rêve du Troubadour') [2022-2023]
Artists Influenced
- Younger Louisiana French musicians - Mentored and inspired through workshops, performances, and cultural advocacy (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Michot’s Melody Makers projects) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BABY DON'T | 2025-03-28 | Album |
| SEAUXLEAUX | 2025-05-30 | Album |
| Rêve du troubadour | 2023-09-22 | Album |
| A Day for the Hunter, A Day for the Prey | 2016-05-27 | Album |
Top Tracks
- laisse le bon temps rouler (laisse le bon temps rouler)
- Blue Moon Special (Bayou Perdu)
- Meche Perdu (SEAUXLEAUX)
- Amourette (Rêve du troubadour)
- laisse le bon temps rouler (BABY DON'T)
- Jole Blon (with Louis Michot) (American Epic: The Soundtrack)
- Boscoyo Fleaux (SEAUXLEAUX)
- L’Abandonne (SEAUXLEAUX)
- Rêve du troubadour (Rêve du troubadour)
- Souvenir de Porto Rico (Rêve du troubadour)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Louis Michot, Quintron, Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.