Stanley Dural Jr. (Buckwheat Zydeco) - Zydeco Nation’s Proudest Creole Man

Stanley Dural Jr. (Buckwheat Zydeco) - Zydeco Nation’s Proudest Creole Man

Buckwheat Zydeco Transitions at the age of 68 

on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society 
issues statement on the passing of 

Stanley Dural Jr. (Buckwheat Zydeco)

September 24, 2016

By Rod Sias

Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society, Inc.

www.ZHPS.org

Stanley Dural Jr.
(Buckwheat Zydeco)
Zydeco Nation's Proudest Creole Man
November 14, 1947 - September 24, 2016

We at The Zydeco Historical & Preservation Society are very sorry and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Stanley Dural Jr., known to many in the Zydeco Nation as Buckwheat Zydeco, who passed away early Saturday morning, September 24, 2016 at 1:32am from complications of lung cancer at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Stanley Dural Jr, (Buckwheat Zydeco) was a good, kind, and humble man.  He brought joy and inspiration to millions of people, not only through his music, but through his everyday life’s work.  If a tree is judged by the fruit it produces, then Stanley Dural Jr’s, life was a strong tall tree with wide branches, deep roots and produced good fruit that touched the lives of many people all over the world.

Stanley Dural Jr, (Buckwheat Zydeco) was a true and creative innovator of Zydeco Music.  His musical foundation and legacy was directly linked to Clifton Chenier, and Buckwheat Zydeco and his Ils Sont Partis Band were instrumental in the revival of Zydeco Music in the 1980’s.  Like his mentor and teacher, Clifton Chenier, Stanley Dural Jr, (Buckwheat Zydeco) put Zydeco Music and the black Creole Culture of southwest Louisiana and Texas on his back, and proudly brought these cultural treasures to the world.

Stanley Dural Jr. was a musical giant and led one of the most respected and recognizable musical outfits to come out of Louisiana in his Ils Sont Partis Band.  There are many people, from many different cultures, and in many different languages, who can rightfully speak on Stanley Dural Jr’s many musical accomplishments, appearances, and awards.  Stanley Dural Jr., (Buckwheat Zydeco and his Ils Sont Partis Band) accomplished what many musicians dream and strive to accomplish.  

However, what is most remarkable and special about Stanley Dural Jr. is that he loved his black Creole Culture.  Stanley Dural Jr. loved and stayed committed to the people from which his culture was born, a black people who the music industry and world often despises, tries to forget and separate from Zydeco Music and Louisiana Culture.  Stanley Dural Jr. remained grounded and even though he soared to unimaginable heights, he never forgot us.

The world remembers Buckwheat Zydeco performing at the 1996 Olympics closing ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia with a TV audience of 3 billion people.  We remember, Stanley Dural Jr’s, introduction (that he crafted) prior to his performance on a world stage affirming his Zydeco Music and his black Creole Cultural roots to those 3 billion people.

The world remembers Buckwheat Zydeco sharing stages and studio sessions with Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, Keith Richards, David Hildalgo, Ry Cooder, Eric Clapton, U2, the Boston Pops Orchestra, B.B. King and other renowned and talented musicians.  We remember Buckwheat Zydeco coming back home every year to El Sido’s to share the stage with Zydeco Joe, Nathan Williams Sr., Morris Ledet, Leroy Thomas, Jude Taylor, Warren Ceasar, Chubby Carrier, Lynn August, Pee Wee and the Zydeco Boll Weevils, and many local artist to raise money and donations so that poor families could have healthy food and clothing.

Stanley Dural Jr.
(Buckwheat Zydeco)
Zydeco Nation's Proudest Creole Man
November 14, 1947 - September 24, 2016

The world remembers Buckwheat Zydeco appearing on countless commercials and TV shows, such as The Late Show with David Letterman and the last episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  We remember Stanley Dural Jr. nurturing, guiding and developing the next generation of Zydeco artists like Lil’ Brian, Sean Ardoin, Curley Taylor, Keith Frank, Lil’ Nate, and Corey Ledet.

The world remembers Buckwheat Zydeco performing at both inaugurations for former President Bill Clinton.  We remember Buckwheat Zydeco lending his star power and influence to encourage local people in his own community to register to vote and take control of their own lives.

The world remembers Buckwheat Zydeco being honored with a well-deserved Grammy Award from the Recording Academy.  We remember Stanley Dural Jr. attending the funerals of Dr. Gene Morris, Clarence “Jockey” Etienne, Zydeco Joe, and Roy Carrier, honoring his fellow musicians who committed their lives to the black Creole Culture he loved.

The world will remember that Stanley Dural Jr died early Saturday at 1:32am of lung cancer at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana.  We will remember Stanley Dural Jr who, when members of his own band, family, and friends faced catastrophic and debilitating illness, gave his time, resources, and influence to ensure that their medical needs were addressed.

Mr. Stanley Dural Jr. (Buckwheat Zydeco) and the Zydeco Lady, Lola Love

We will forever remember and appreciate Stanley Dural Jr’s kindness, wisdom, encouragement, and support for the Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society and the black Creole Culture of Southwest Louisiana and Texas.

To his family, who carried the long burden of sharing Stanley Dural Jr (Buckwheat Zydeco) with the world, our love and sympathy are with you at this dark and empty hour.

Thank you Mr. Stanley Dural Jr. 

for giving the world your Musical Legacy 

and keeping our Creole Roots Proud and Strong!

Love and peace from the ZHPS.

Rod Sias

Moriba Karamoko

Lola Love

Professor Cedric Johnson

Darius Sias

Alaric Robinson

Rob Ricks

Mona Kennerson

The Zydeco Historical & Preservation Society, Inc

www.ZHPS.org

Documenting and Preserving Everyday Creole Life

in Southwest Louisiana and Texas

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