[wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1981[/wolf_highlight_text] Formed the first incarnation of the Mallet Playboys and began playing regionally as one of only 2 emerging artists performing the indigenous Zydeco music of Louisiana. [wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1984[/wolf_highlight_text] Played a 3-week showcase at The World’s Fair in New Orleans. Began performing and touring full time as one of only 2 emerging groups in Zydeco music. Released several 45 vinyl recordings. [wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1985 [/wolf_highlight_text]Showcased at the Lone Star Café in NYC on the eve of Live Aid. In the audience and on stage were Dylan, Mick Jagger ,Keith Richards and Paul Simon. Recorded a Clifton Chenier single, You Used to Call Me, with Paul Simon singing background vocals. First national tour of the U.S and Canada. [wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1986[/wolf_highlight_text] Appeared on screen and on the soundtrack of the movie “The Big Easy”. Co- wrote movie love ballad “Closer to You” with actor Dennis Quaid . Toured with Los Lobos during the period when La Bamba was a radio hit song. First European tour including the Bern Jazz Fest, opening for Fats Domino and Sarah Vaughn. BillboardMagazine voted him of the Top Ten Live Performance Acts of the year. [wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1987[/wolf_highlight_text] Had the rare opportunity of doing a USIA (State Dept. sponsored) tour of North Africa. Joined the Miller Band Network and toured the US and Canada extensively logging over250 dates. Performed at a fundraiser in L.A for Michael Dukakis and The Hollywood Women’s Committee, sharing the stage with Bette Midler, Jesse Jackson, Barbara Streisand and Chevy Chase. [wolf_highlight_text color=”red”]1989 – 1990[/wolf_highlight_text] Continued with The Miller Band Network tour schedule of over 250 dates in the U.S and Canada. Performed at a private fundraiser hosted by Bianca Jagger at The Brooklyn Academy of Music. Released his debut record, “Zydeco on the Bayou” , (Restless/Capitol) which as a huge critical success. National TV commercial for Chevrolet. Performed on screen and on the soundtrack for Disney’s TV pilot “Blue Bayou”, starring Mario Van Peebles.
