Tyron Benoit

Biography

Tyron Benoit hails from Houma, Louisiana, where he grew up immersed in a rich musical environment spanning classic country, Cajun folk, and rock influences.[1] His early musical foundation included listening to George Jones, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and Ernest Tubb around the house, while his grandfather's home introduced him to Cajun and folk traditions.[1] Before pursuing music professionally, Benoit served his country as a U.S. Marine in Operation Desert Storm.[1][3] After returning home, he moved to New York City to study acting, where he began writing songs with his brother Tate over speakerphone while Tate was living in Colorado.[1][3] This creative partnership led to the formation of Too Fish, a regional blues and rock band that became a hometown favorite in Colorado and the Midwest, with Tyron on guitar, Tate on bass, and rotating drummers.[1][3]

In 2003, Benoit returned to New Orleans, arriving two years before Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.[3][4] Rather than leaving, he became deeply involved in rebuilding efforts, and during this period of heavy construction work, he began holding jam sessions powered by generators on job sites with other contractors, forming a group called the Bywater Rock Group.[1][3][4] This experience catalyzed a major artistic evolution as he immersed himself in New Orleans' diverse musical community, exploring reggae, funk, blues, and rock.[1][4] A significant milestone came when he led a band for Mardi Gras Indian legend Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, solidifying his place in New Orleans' storied music history.[1][4]

Benoit has established himself as a versatile singer, guitarist, accordionist, and songwriter with a distinctive sound incorporating country, blues, classic rock, and Louisiana Zydeco.[6] His debut album "Waiting on Friday" was released in May 2022, produced by Grammy-nominated, Oscar-winning producer Donald Markowitz and featuring accomplished session musicians including guitarist Shane Theriot, drummer Doug Belote, keyboardist David Torkanowsky, and bassist Kevin Scott.[3] Since the album's release, he has performed at major festivals including French Quarter Fest, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Telluride Blues & Brews, Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland, Durango Blues Train, and Beaver Creek Blues, Brews, and BBQ.[1][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Benoit received a Ray Charles album at age ten, which became a cornerstone of his lifelong musical journey.[1]
• During Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, when many New Orleans neighborhoods were without power for weeks, Benoit held jam sessions powered by generators in unfinished houses and buildings on job sites with other contractors, forming the Bywater Rock Group.[1][3][4]
• Before fully committing to music, Benoit moved to New York City to study acting in a small West Village apartment, where he began his songwriting partnership with his brother Tate over speakerphone.[1][3]
• Benoit is a multi-instrumentalist proficient in guitar, vocals, and accordion, reflecting the diverse musical influences of his Louisiana heritage.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Big Chief Monk Boudreaux - Mardi Gras Indian legend who Benoit led a band for, providing direct connection to New Orleans' storied music history (Mardi Gras Indian tradition and performances) [Post-2003, New Orleans era]
• Donald Markowitz - Grammy-nominated, Oscar-winning producer who produced Benoit's debut album (Waiting on Friday (2022)) [2022]

Key Collaborators

• Tate Benoit - Brother and co-founder of Too Fish; played bass in the band (Too Fish (band), songwriting partnership) [1990s-2000s, Colorado/Midwest era]
• Shane Theriot - Session guitarist featured on debut album (Waiting on Friday (2022)) [2022]
• Doug Belote - Session drummer featured on debut album (Waiting on Friday (2022)) [2022]
• David Torkanowsky - Session keyboardist featured on debut album (Waiting on Friday (2022)) [2022]
• Kevin Scott - Session bassist featured on debut album (Waiting on Friday (2022)) [2022]

External Links

• Spotify