With prison in his past, T Broussard is ‘Goin’ Live’

With prison in his past, T Broussard is ‘Goin’ Live’

Musician plays to his strengths – new and old zydeco

December 4, 2018

by Herman Fusilier
The Daily Advertiser

Goin' Live is the latest CD from T Broussard and the Zydeco Steppers (Submitted Photo)

Just a few years out of high school, T. Broussard was making more money than he can remember. But the party ended in 1999, when Broussard was busted for cocaine possession with intent to distribute.

Sentenced to seven years with two years suspended, Broussard served three years at a correctional center in Avoyelles Parish. The pain of losing his freedom soon replaced his hunger for money.

But Broussard hurt most for his family, particularly his mom, Mary Jane. He longed for the times when she played her accordion, he grabbed a rubboard and they sang in Creole.

The rest of the family danced and ate without a care in the world.

“I was stressing my family and my mom,” said Broussard, aka Bryant Keith Broussard of Jennings. “I couldn’t put them through that again.

“I couldn’t get in trouble like that again. I couldn’t do the street life no more.”

With prison in his past, Broussard is making the zydeco music of his roots. He’s back on stage and the radio with his Zydeco Steppers band and “Goin’ Live.” The CD is his first since the “Super T” album on 2009.

The new disc continues more of the mix of contemporary and traditional zydeco that has allowed Broussard to play from south Louisiana casinos to the Beale Street Festival in Memphis. Selections include the dance-friendly, radio hit, “Wiggle, Wiggle, “Zydeco Diva,” a remake of an old hit with Koray Broussard, and the title song, a collaboration with Leon Chavis and Chris Ardoin.

A descendant of Creole music greats Bois Sec Ardoin and Carlton Frank, Broussard remembers his roots with a French waltz, “Filé Whiskey.” He adds zydeco flavor to Dobie Gray’s classic “Drift Away” and urges peace among all people with “Supa T Anthem.”

“That was a really positive song,” said Broussard. “Nobody today is writing on that kind of level. Everybody is with a hip and a hop.

“It’s exactly what’s going on today. At the same time, you have a nice dance groove behind it and a strong message.”

Although he enjoys airplay on zydeco radio, Broussard aims to expand his horizons even more. He’s applied for a passport to line up international gigs.

But at age 47, he’s also aiming for impact at home, where young musicians continue to flood the zydeco scene. He’s concerned about their interest in stardom and rap instead of the Creole family atmosphere that he cherished in his roots.

“Now, everything has turned into a concert. It’s not a dance anymore. But that’s how life goes. Nothing stays the same.

“It’s always been a tough time. Now, more youngsters are involved and that’s good. But the attitude came with it. That changed a lot of the stuff, too.”

9:30 PM