Rockin' Dopsie, Jr.

Biography

Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. (born David Rubin), son of zydeco legend Alton Jay 'Rockin' Dopsie' Rubin Sr. (1932-1993), grew up immersed in the music from an early age in Lafayette, Louisiana. His earliest musical memories were of his father's accordion playing; at nine, he received a basic accordion from his father and taught himself by playing along with the radio, much like his father had done. In his early teens, he played in several bands and initially drummed in school, but at age 18, he stepped in on the rubboard (washboard) after the band's player passed away, marking his breakthrough. At 21, he received his first rubboard and joined his father's band officially in 1982, contributing to their international notoriety through high-energy performances blending zydeco with R&B influences.[1][2][4][6]

Following his father's death in 1993, David Rubin inherited the stage name Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. and took over leadership of the Zydeco Twisters, now known as Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters. Renowned as the world's best rubboard player, a masterful vocalist, and an electrifying showman with dynamic stage moves including splits in James Brown style, he infused the band with jazz, funk, and brass elements while preserving authentic zydeco roots. The band, featuring brothers Tiger Dopsie (Alton Jr.) on drums and Anthony Dopsie on accordion, has performed globally, appearing on TV shows like Gayle King Show (1998), Live with Regis and Kathie Lee (1999), Wheel of Fortune (2000), and with stars including Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, John Fogerty, Harry Connick Jr., B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, and Dan Aykroyd.[1][2][4]

Dopsie Jr.'s legacy continues the family dynasty, honored notably in 1994 at the Smithsonian where the band performed for the exhibit of his father's 'King of Zydeco' crown. His high-energy, audience-participation shows emphasize danceable zydeco grooves, establishing him as a leading practitioner who carries forward Creole culture worldwide.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Considered the best rubboard (washboard) player in the world, stepping in at age 18 after the previous player died.[2][4][7]
• Performed for President Clinton and the White House press corps on the White House lawn in September 1999.[1][2]
• Served as house band for a week on Wheel of Fortune in January 2000 and danced with Dan Aykroyd at Chicago House of Blues in May 2000.[1][2]
• In 1994, performed at the Smithsonian for the exhibit of his father's 'King of Zydeco' crown.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Rockin' Dopsie Sr. (Alton Jay Rubin) - Father and primary musical influence; taught basics, gave first instruments, integrated into his band (Joined father's band in 1982; performed together until 1993) [Childhood through 1993]

Key Collaborators

• Tiger Dopsie (Alton Rubin Jr.) - Brother and band member, drum virtuoso maintaining danceable beat (Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters) [1993-present]
• Anthony Dopsie (Anthony Rubin) - Brother and band member, accordion player replacing father (Rockin' Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters) [1993-present]
• Paul Simon - Performed with the band (Live performances) [1990s-2000s]
• Harry Connick Jr. - Performed together at Orpheus Ball (Mardi Gras '98, '99, '01 events) [1998-2001]
• B.B. King - Performed with (Live shows) [Post-1993]

Artists Influenced

• Dwayne Dopsie - Younger brother who plays accordion and leads own band inspired by family legacy (Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers) [Post-1993]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia