Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys are an American Cajun band from southern Louisiana.^[1] The band formed in 1988 and has since recorded 10 albums, nine of which are on Rounder Records.

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 2009.
Background information
Origin	Louisiana, United States
Years active	1988–present
Labels	Rounder Records
Members	Steve Riley David Greely Sam Broussard Burke Riley Philippe Billeaudeaux
Past members	Jimmy Domengeaux David Greely Peter Schwarz Kevin Wimmer
Website	Mamouplayboys.com

The band includes Steve Riley (accordion, b. 1969), David Greely (fiddle), Sam Broussard (guitar), Burke Riley (drums/guitar) and Philippe Billeaudeaux (bass) and formerly Jimmy Domengeaux (guitar) before his death in 1999.^[2] Kevin Wimmer (fiddle) joined the band in 2011. Riley is a native of Mamou, Louisiana and a cousin of the noted Cajun musician and accordion builder Marc Savoy.

History

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys started in 1988 by Steve Riley and David Greely. They have been very prolific with more than 10 CD's almost exclusively in Cajun French. Their style has grown from exclusively traditional music of Riley's mentors Dewey Balfa, Belton Richard, and Walter Mouton to a more personal style that still has a distinctively Cajun sound.

They released a 'Best of' compilation album in 2008, which featured some of their greatest hits.^[3]

David Greely retired from the band due to hearing problems. His last performance was the 2011 Mardi Gras dance in Eunice, Louisiana.^[4] In June of 2022 David Greely was back playing with the band.

Awards

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys have been nominated for two Grammy Awards in The Best Traditional Folk Album category, one Grammy nomination was for Trace of Time for Best Traditional Folk Album,^[5] and the second was for Bon Rêve in 2004.^[6]

Discography

• Grand Isle (2011)
• Dominos (2005)
• Bon Rêve (2003)
• Happytown (2001)
• Bayou Ruler (1998)
• Friday at Last (1997)
• La Toussaint (1995)
• Live! (1994)
• Trace of Time (1993)
• Tit Galop Pour Mamou (1992)
• Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys (1990)

Compilations

• En Francais: Cajun 'n' Creole Rock 'n' Roll Various, produced by Louis Michot of Lost Bayou Ramblers (2011) Bayou Teche Brewers/CD Baby
• Steve Riley in the group Racines: Allons Boire un Coup: A Collection of Cajun and Creole Drinking Songs Various artists (2006) Valcour Records

Steve Riley on others' recordings

• Been to Town and Back Again - Christopher Shaw (1994)^[7]
• Transatlantic Sessions: Songs of Death, Divorce, Drinking and Dancing Cajun Roosters (2011) Whoopee Records-Pine Groove Sound/CD Baby
• Evangeline Made: A Tribute to Cajun Music Various artists (2002) Vanguard Records

See also

• History of Cajun Music
• List of Notable People Related to Cajun Music

References

1. "LSUE Website on Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys". Lsue.edu. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
2. "Elvis Pelvis Entry With Obituary". Elvispelvis.com. Retrieved 2009-10-21.
3. Cole, Katherine (24 June 2008). "Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys Release 'Best Of' Compilation". Voanews.com. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
4. Ron Thibodeaux (7 March 2011). "Cajun fiddler David Greely plays farewell concert during Mardi Gras 2011". Nola.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
5. "Louisiana Music at the Grammy Awards - 1990 through 1999". Satchmo.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
6. "Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys". Mamouplayboys.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
7. Nelligan, Tom (April 1, 1995). "Christopher Shaw - Been to Town and Back Again". Dirty Linen (57): 69.

External links

• Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys web site
• David Greely web site
• Sam Broussard web site