On February 13, one of music’s most prestigious awards, the 2011 Zydeco/Cajun Grammy went to longtime zydeco musician accordionist, 43 year old Chubby Carrier. Carrier and his band won for their album “Zydeco Junkie”. The album, released on his own label (Swampadelic Records) is a 10-song showcase of Carrier’s trademark zydeco party songs. The album also includes his accordion-driven version of “Movin’ On Up,” the theme from The Jeffersons television show.

Other musicians in the 2011 Zydeco/Cajun Grammy category included:
Cedric Watson, D. L. Menard, Feufollet and the Pine Leaf Boys for the albums listed below.
En Couleurs, Feufollet
Happy Go Lucky, D.L. Menard
Back Home, The Pine Leaf Boys
Creole Moon: Live At The Blue Moon Saloon, Cedric Watson et Bijou Créole

Carrier began his music career in Louisiana dancehalls playing in his father’s zydeco band in the 1970s and kept on keeping on, forming his own band and releasing a total of 11 records since 1989. Carrier is the fourth winner in the four-year-old zydeco/Cajun Grammy category. His win follows the previous winners Terrance Simien, BeauSoleil and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Chubby Carrier is “The World’s Premier Zydeco Showman.” Born on July 1, 1967 in Churchpoint, Louisiana, Chubby is the third generation of zydeco artists with such famous relatives as Roy Carrier (father), Warren Carrier (grandfather), and cousins Bebe and Calvin Carrier who are presently considered legends in zydeco history.

Chubby began his musical career at the age of 12 by playing drums with his father’s band. He began playing the accordion at the age of 15. By age 17, Chubby had begun to play with Terrance Siemien and toured the world for 2 1/2 years, before forming his own band in 1989.

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band have recorded five CDs over the past ten years of Chubby’s professional career. His band has traveled all over the world, performing to audiences in all parts of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Canada. North Africa and Europe. Chubby and the band travel 150-175 days a year, taking his act to big festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz Fest, the Chicago Blues Fest. Summerfest (Milwaukee), Memphis in May, and several festivals in Europe. Chubby has also done guest appearances on recordings for Tab Benoit, 6Was9, and Jimmy Thackery. Ann Wilson of the group Heart encourages Chubby to “continue the great sound that you have. This sound will take you places.”

Chubby’s March 2011 performances include:
1 Carribean Cj and Debbie Ray Sail Away
2 Carribean Cj and Debbie Ray Sail Away
3 Carribean Cj and Debbie Ray Sail Away
4 Carribean Cj and Debbie Ray Sail Away
5 Baton Rouge, LA Happy’s Irish Pub
6 Church Point, LA Church Point Mardi Gras 11am
7 Lafayette, LA Grant St. Zydeco Legends Night
8 Crowley, LA Crowley Mardi Gras 1pm
8 Lake Charles, LA Lake Charles Mardi Gras 4pm
11 Grove, OK JR Spanky’s
12 Kansas City, MO Knuckle Heads Saloon
13 St. Petersburgh, FL Cajun & Zydeco Festival
18 Kansas City, MO Private Party
20 Thibodaux, LA Louisiana Swamp Stomp
25 Baton Rouge, LA LSU Frat Party
26 Scott, LA The Shed Spring Jam w/guest
27 Lafayette, LA Grant Street Dancehall