Nathan & the Zydeco Chas chas

Biography

Nathan Williams Sr., born March 24, 1963, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, grew up in a French Creole-speaking household surrounded by music. After losing his father at age seven, he was raised by his grandmother and was one of ten siblings. As a child, he was captivated by zydeco pioneers like Clifton Chenier, often sneaking peeks at Chenier's performances despite being too young to enter the clubs. Williams began his professional music career at 21, recording singles for his brother Sid’s El Sid label, and quickly became a staple performer in Lafayette’s local scene.

Williams’ big break came when Buckwheat Zydeco recommended him to Rounder Records, leading to a recording contract and the formation of Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas in 1985, named after a Chenier instrumental. The band, a family affair with brothers, cousins, and later his son Nathan Jr., debuted at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1988 and has since toured globally, performing at major venues and festivals, including the Lincoln Center, Grand Ole Opry, and the 1996 Summer Olympics. Their energetic blend of zydeco, jazz, blues, and R&B, mostly penned by Williams, has earned them accolades such as induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and multiple Big Easy Awards for Best Zydeco Band.

Nathan & the Zydeco Cha-Chas are credited with revitalizing zydeco for new generations, both in Louisiana and worldwide. Williams’ commitment to the genre is evident not only in his performances but also in his mentorship of younger musicians, including his own son. The group’s legacy is marked by their role in popularizing zydeco beyond its regional roots and their ongoing influence in the genre’s evolution.

Fun Facts

• Nathan Williams was the first zydeco artist to perform in Poland, expanding the genre's global reach.
• He once worked with Clifton Chenier as a child, sneaking into clubs to watch him perform through a window.
• Williams has a side business called Cha Cha’s Hot Shot, providing transportation services for oil fields in Texas.
• The band’s lineup has always been a family affair, with brothers, cousins, and his son all contributing as members.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Clifton Chenier - Williams was inspired by and learned from Chenier, the 'King of Zydeco,' as a child, often watching his performances through club windows. (Chenier's instrumental inspired the band name; general stylistic influence.) [1970s–1980s]
• Buckwheat Zydeco - Mentor and supporter; recommended Williams to Rounder Records, facilitating his recording debut. (Helped Williams secure his first contract.) [1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Sid 'El Sid O' Williams - Brother and manager; ran El Sid label and El-Sid-O's venue, provided early career support. (El Sid label singles, band management.) [1980s–present]
• Dennis Paul Williams - Brother and guitarist in the band. (Band member, live and studio performances.) [1985–present]
• Mark Anthony 'Chukka' Williams - Cousin and rubboard player in the band. (Band member, live and studio performances.) [1985–present]
• Nathan Williams Jr. - Son; started performing with the band at age 3, later formed his own group. (Band member, 'Zydeco Ballin'' (solo album), Lil' Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.) [1990s–present]
• Buddy Guy - Williams played accordion on Guy's album. (Buddy Guy's 'Skin Deep' (2008).) [2008]
• Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Co-headlined the Mardi Gras Mambo Tour. (Mardi Gras Mambo Tour (2022).) [2022]

Artists Influenced

• Nathan Williams Jr. (Lil' Nathan) - Son; began performing with the Cha Chas as a child and now leads his own zydeco band. ('Zydeco Ballin'' (2002), Lil' Nathan and the Zydeco Big Timers.) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Your Mama Don't Know (Your Mama Don't Know)
2. Follow Me Chicken (Follow Me Chicken)
3. I'm In Love (Follow Me Chicken)
4. Zydeco Girl (A New Road)
5. Don't Worry 'Bout The Mule (Hang It High, Hang It Low)
6. Hard Times (Let's Go!)
7. Everything On The Hog (Steady Rock)
8. Let's Go (Live at Rock 'N' Bowl de Lafayette) (Like Father, Like Son (Live at Rock 'N' Bowl de Lafayette))
9. Zydeco Girl (Live at Rock 'N' Bowl de Lafayette) (Like Father, Like Son (Live at Rock 'N' Bowl de Lafayette))
10. Slow Horses And Fast Women (Your Mama Don't Know)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia