Cowboy Mouth
Encyclopedia
Cowboy Mouth is a rock
band based in New Orleans, Louisiana
. Their name usually means "One with a loud and raucous voice". The nucleus of the band formed in the 1990s, and they have become a powerhouse live act whose performances have been likened to "a religious experience."
Some of their most popular songs include "Love Of My Life", "Everybody Loves Jill" (where the audience throws red spoons on stage), "Easy," "Disconnected," "How Do You Tell Someone," and "Jenny Says
." They also perform a version of "Born to Run
" on the Light of Day tribute album to Bruce Springsteen
, a version of "The Pusher
" on the soundtrack to Half Baked
, and several of their own songs on the soundtrack to the 1995 film The Underneath (two of which they perform onscreen in the film). Their single "This Much Fun" from their 2006 album "Voodoo Shoppe" is featured in the trailer for the Disney animated feature Meet the Robinsons
.
They maintain a very active touring schedule, primarily through the United States. The album Voodoo Shoppe is in part a tribute to city of New Orleans, Louisiana
in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina
. In particular, the tracks "Home" a defiant vow to rebuild the city and "The Avenue", an emotional plea for the continued vibrance of the city. "The Avenue" features the lyrics "Because the marching bands will roll/I'll find my city in my soul/Because I plan on growing old on the avenue," a reference to watching Mardi Gras parades on New Orleans' famed St. Charles Avenue. A portion of the album was recorded with producer Mitch Allan
and features engineers, Stewart Cararas and Danny Kadar
at their studio Paradigm Park Studios in New Orleans. Unfortunately just seven months after the record's completion the studio suffered the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. They performed "The Avenue" on Mardi Gras
Day 2006 live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
. The album also features the song "Joe Strummer
", a semi-tribute to the late Clash
frontman. The band released its first full length live DVD The Name of the Band Is Cowboy Mouth
on November 20, 2007. The DVD, which was recorded in front of a packed house at the Roxy On Sunset in Hollywood, CA during the summer of 2007 features much of the band's classic material like "Light it on Fire" as well as some songs to be released on the band's new album, Fearless in September 2008. Among the new songs of the DVD set,"Kelly Ripa
" was released in a very different studio version as a single on iTunes
in early March 2008 followed by an appearance and performance on the Live with Regis and Kelly
television show on March 13, 2008.
On May 14, 2011, during a performance at Bon Ton Louisianne in Houston, Texas, Cowboy Mouth was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
band based in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. Their name usually means "One with a loud and raucous voice". The nucleus of the band formed in the 1990s, and they have become a powerhouse live act whose performances have been likened to "a religious experience."
Some of their most popular songs include "Love Of My Life", "Everybody Loves Jill" (where the audience throws red spoons on stage), "Easy," "Disconnected," "How Do You Tell Someone," and "Jenny Says
Jenny Says
"Jenny Says" is a song written by drummer and lead singer Fred LeBlanc from Cowboy Mouth's first studio album, Word Of Mouth in 1992, as well as their 1996 major label debut album, "Are You with Me?" It is Cowboy Mouth's most successful single to date and their signature song. Traditionally,...
." They also perform a version of "Born to Run
Born to Run
The album's release was accompanied by a $250,000 promotional campaign by Columbia directed at both consumers and the music industry, making good use of Landau's "I saw rock 'n' roll's future—and its name is Bruce Springsteen" quote. With much publicity, Born to Run vaulted into the top 10 in its...
" on the Light of Day tribute album to Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, a version of "The Pusher
The Pusher
"The Pusher" is a rock song written by Hoyt Axton, made popular by the 1969 movie Easy Rider which used Steppenwolf's version to accompany the opening scenes of drug trafficking....
" on the soundtrack to Half Baked
Half Baked
Half Baked is a 1998 stoner comedy film starring Dave Chappelle, Jim Breuer, Harland Williams and Guillermo Díaz. The movie was directed by Tamra Davis, and co-written by star Dave Chappelle and Neal Brennan...
, and several of their own songs on the soundtrack to the 1995 film The Underneath (two of which they perform onscreen in the film). Their single "This Much Fun" from their 2006 album "Voodoo Shoppe" is featured in the trailer for the Disney animated feature Meet the Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons is a 2007 American computer-animated family film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures on March 30, 2007. The forty-seventh animated feature in the Walt Disney Animated Classics, the film was released in both the United States and the...
.
They maintain a very active touring schedule, primarily through the United States. The album Voodoo Shoppe is in part a tribute to city of New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
. In particular, the tracks "Home" a defiant vow to rebuild the city and "The Avenue", an emotional plea for the continued vibrance of the city. "The Avenue" features the lyrics "Because the marching bands will roll/I'll find my city in my soul/Because I plan on growing old on the avenue," a reference to watching Mardi Gras parades on New Orleans' famed St. Charles Avenue. A portion of the album was recorded with producer Mitch Allan
Mitch Allan
Mitch Allan, is the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist of punk rock band SR-71, and the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of power pop project Satellite.-Biography:...
and features engineers, Stewart Cararas and Danny Kadar
Danny Kadar (producer)
Danny Kadar is a producer, engineer, and mixer living in New Orleans. While growing up in New York, Danny first began as a student photographer studying at Pratt Institute he would then later decide to go into the music industry with his own band at the time. After being in the studio Danny would...
at their studio Paradigm Park Studios in New Orleans. Unfortunately just seven months after the record's completion the studio suffered the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. They performed "The Avenue" on Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras
The terms "Mardi Gras" , "Mardi Gras season", and "Carnival season", in English, refer to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday...
Day 2006 live on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
The Ellen DeGeneres Show, often shortened to Ellen, is an American television talk show hosted by comedian/actress Ellen DeGeneres. Debuting on September 8, 2003, it is produced by Telepictures and airs in syndication, including stations owned by NBC Universal. For its first five seasons, the show...
. The album also features the song "Joe Strummer
Joe Strummer
John Graham Mellor , best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the British punk rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in...
", a semi-tribute to the late Clash
The Clash
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk. Along with punk, their music incorporated elements of reggae, ska, dub, funk, rap, dance, and rockabilly...
frontman. The band released its first full length live DVD The Name of the Band Is Cowboy Mouth
The Name of the Band is Cowboy Mouth
The Name of the Band Is Cowboy Mouth is a live concert by the band Cowboy Mouth released on DVD on November 20, 2007. It is the first DVD, and second video of the band, the first being 1996's 'Alive' on VHS. In addition, they appear in a scene in the 1995 movie Underneath...
on November 20, 2007. The DVD, which was recorded in front of a packed house at the Roxy On Sunset in Hollywood, CA during the summer of 2007 features much of the band's classic material like "Light it on Fire" as well as some songs to be released on the band's new album, Fearless in September 2008. Among the new songs of the DVD set,"Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa
Kelly Ripa is an American actress and television host. Since February 2001, she has served as the co-host of talk show Live with Regis and Kelly, along with Regis Philbin and now solo host of Live! With Kelly...
" was released in a very different studio version as a single on iTunes
ITunes
iTunes is a media player computer program, used for playing, downloading, and organizing digital music and video files on desktop computers. It can also manage contents on iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad....
in early March 2008 followed by an appearance and performance on the Live with Regis and Kelly
Live with Regis and Kelly
Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception...
television show on March 13, 2008.
On May 14, 2011, during a performance at Bon Ton Louisianne in Houston, Texas, Cowboy Mouth was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
Current members
- Fred LeBlancFred LeBlancFred LeBlanc is currently the lead singer/drummer for the New Orleans based rock band Cowboy Mouth, as well as a freelance songwriter, record producer, short story author, and acoustic performer...
(lead vocals, drums, and frontman)
- Founding member. Formerly of Baton Rouge/New Orleans based trio Dash Rip RockDash Rip RockDash Rip Rock is a New Orleans based rock band built around the songs of singer-guitarist Bill Davis.The band is a legendary live powerhouse, often being credited with founding the musical genre known as "Country Punk." The New York Times said Dash Rip Rock is "the kind of band that provides a...
and the Backbeats.
- John Thomas GriffithJohn Thomas GriffithJohn Thomas Griffith is an American singer-songwriter best known as a guitarist and vocalist for the band Cowboy Mouth. John Thomas Griffith first established himself on the American music scene in the early 1980s as lead singer and guitarist for the Red Rockers, co-writing their 1983 MTV hit...
(guitar and vocals)
- Founding member. Formerly of the Red RockersRed RockersRed Rockers were a musical band from New Orleans, Louisiana, active from 1979 to 1985. They are best known for their 1983 hit single "China".-Origins:...
, purveyors of the 1980s "China" and "Good As Gold" as well as subsequent tourmates with U2U2U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, the Go-Go'sThe Go-Go'sThe Go-Go’s are an all-female American rock band formed in 1978. They made history as the first all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard album charts....
, and Men at WorkMen at WorkMen at Work are an Australian rock band who achieved international success in the 1980s. They are the only Australian artists to have a simultaneous #1 album and #1 single in the United States . They achieved the same distinction of a simultaneous #1 album and #1 single in the United Kingdom...
.
- Matt JonesMatt Jones- In sports :* Matt Jones , American football player* Matt Jones , Welsh international footballer* Matthew Robert Jones English footballer...
(rhythm guitar and vocals)
- Formerly Jimmie's Chicken ShackJimmie's Chicken ShackJimmie's Chicken Shack is an American alternative rock band from Annapolis, Maryland. They emerged through MTV as one of the first Post-Grunge bands of the era...
- Casandra Faulconer (bass). AKA 2Funky. Toured extensively with Blues guitar goddess Debbie Davies. Has performed with a Who's Who of New Orleans' artists.
Former members
- Regina ZernayRegina ZernayRegina Zernay Roberts is an American instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. She plays bass guitar and Moog synthesizer with Scarlet Fever, the all-female band touring with Cee Lo Green...
sixth bass player, and vocals (2007–2010)
- Formerly the singer/bassist for Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
band MéchantMéchantMéchant, also known as MECHANT or Mechant, is a Los Angeles-based alternative rock/power pop band fronted by lead singer Regina Zernay. Former bassist for rock bands Halfcocked and Jam Balaya, Zernay formed the band in late 2002/early 2003 to showcase her own material.Zernay is the primary...
.
- Jonathan PretusJonathan PretusJonathan Pretus is a New Orleans-based American guitarist, best known as a member of cowpunk band Cowboy Mouth. -Biography:...
rhythm guitar, vocals (2007–2010) the third guitarist the band has had.
- Formerly the singer/guitarist for New Orleans based band The Garden District.
- Former singer/guitarist for WeezerWeezerWeezer is an American alternative rock band. The band currently consists of Rivers Cuomo , Patrick Wilson , Brian Bell , and Scott Shriner . The band has changed lineups three times since its formation in 1992...
cover band, called "Tweezer".
- Sonia TetlowSonia TetlowSonia Tetlow is an American songwriter and musician. She fronts the band Herman Put Down The Gun and plays banjo in the alterna-grass group Roxie Watson...
- fifth bass player and vocals (left in 2007)
-
- Paul SanchezPaul SanchezPaul Sanchez is a New Orleans-born and based American guitarist and a singer-songwriter. Sanchez is best known as one of New Orleans' finest song writers and was also founding member of the New Orleans band Cowboy Mouth. Sanchez was a guitarist and one of the primary singers and songwriters for the...
- founding member-guitar and vocals (left in 2006)
- Paul Sanchez
- Formerly of New Orleans band The Backbeats.
- Paul Clement bass guitar, first bass player, and original member
- With the band for six months prior to Walters, and has played with many New Orleans area bands including WoodenheadWoodenheadWoodenhead is the name of a 2003 New Zealand film directed by Florian Habicht.The film is a dark fairy tale in the style of the Brothers Grimm, and is based around the life of a dump-hand called Gert and a mute princess called Plum. The two wander into the forest with a donkey and mysterious things...
.
- Steve Walters - bass guitar (second bass player)
- Formerly of The Backbeats and The Normals.
- Rob Savoy - bass guitar, (third bass player)
- Past member of Louisiana Cajun rock group The Bluerunners.
- Mary LaSang - bass guitar, (fourth bass player)
- Of Dingo 8 fame.
- Vance DeGeneresVance DeGeneresVance Elliott DeGeneres is an American actor, musician, film producer and screenwriter, known for his work in television...
(guitar) 2nd guitarist
- Credits include New Orleans band The ColdThe Cold"The Cold" is episode 145 of The West Wing. This episode contained the final performance of cast member John Spencer .-Plot:...
and The Backbeats, television writer and producer, former correspondent of The Daily ShowThe Daily ShowThe Daily Show , is an American late night satirical television program airing each Monday through Thursday on Comedy Central. The half-hour long show premiered on July 21, 1996, and was hosted by Craig Kilborn until December 1998...
, and brother of Ellen DeGeneresEllen DeGeneresEllen Lee DeGeneres is an American stand-up comedienne, television host and actress. She hosts the syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and was also a judge on American Idol for one year, having joined the show in its ninth season....
. DeGeneres played with Cowboy Mouth from December 2006 through September 2007, when he left to pursue additional television projects
Studio albums
- Word of Mouth • 1992
- It Means EscapeIt Means EscapeIt Means Escape is the first full-length album by the rock band Cowboy Mouth. It was released on November 14, 1994. The album title is a subtle jab at their record label, Monkey Hill, with whom the band wanted to part, but the company forced them to record the album to fulfill their...
• 1994 - Are You with Me?Are You with Me?Are You with Me? is an album that was released on July 2, 1996, by the rock band Cowboy Mouth. It was their first major label release and charted at 192 of the Billboard 200; it produced the single "Jenny Says" which also charted on two Billboard charts.-Tracks:1 "Jenny Says" – 3:172 "How Do You...
• 1996 - Word of Mouth (Remix) • 1996
- Mercyland • 1998
- Easy • 2000
- Uh-Oh • 2003
- Voodoo ShoppeVoodoo ShoppeVoodoo Shoppe is the tenth release and the seventh studio release of Cowboy Mouth.Cowboy Mouth has associated themselves quite strongly with the city of New Orleans and the music scene in that city. Voodoo Shoppe was the first album produced by the band after Hurricane Katrina, and generated a fair...
• 2006 - Fearless • 2008
- Mardi Gras 2011
Live albums and EPs
- Mouthin' Off (Live & More) • 1993
- Mouthin' Off (Live & More) (Remastered) • 1997
- Cowboy Mouth Live! (limited edition 5-song EP issued with Mercyland) • 1998
- Live in the X LoungeLive in the X LoungeLive in the X Lounge is a series of albums released by Birmingham, Alabama's former alternative rock radio station, WRAX.Though the station can no longer be found on the air, this series of live performances was produced while the station was known as 107.7 The X...
"Jenny Says" • 1998 & 2001 - All You Need Is Live • 2000
- Live in the X LoungeLive in the X LoungeLive in the X Lounge is a series of albums released by Birmingham, Alabama's former alternative rock radio station, WRAX.Though the station can no longer be found on the air, this series of live performances was produced while the station was known as 107.7 The X...
"Easy" • 2000 - Uh Oh (5-song Preview EP) • 2003
- Live at the Zoo • 2004
- Mardi GrasMardi Gras (Cowboy Mouth album)Mardi Gras is a Cowboy Mouth EP that was released in coordination with the band's 16th Annual Rock N' Roll Mardi Gras Tour. The album is composed of Mardi Gras themed music and an acoustic version of a song from the band's 2006 album Voodoo Shoppe.-Track listing:# "Iko Iko" - 2:38# "Hurry Up And...
• 2010
Filmography
- UnderneathUnderneath (film)The Underneath is a 1995 American film directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring Peter Gallagher and Alison Elliott. The film is based on the novel Criss Cross by Don Tracy, and is a remake of the original 1949 film adaptation...
• 1995 - New Orleans Music in ExileNew Orleans Music in ExileNew Orleans Music in Exile is a documentary/ music film that was made in 2006 and released on DVD on August 7, 2007. It was directed by Robert Mugge.-Summary:...
• 2006 - The Name of the Band Is Cowboy MouthThe Name of the Band is Cowboy MouthThe Name of the Band Is Cowboy Mouth is a live concert by the band Cowboy Mouth released on DVD on November 20, 2007. It is the first DVD, and second video of the band, the first being 1996's 'Alive' on VHS. In addition, they appear in a scene in the 1995 movie Underneath...
• 2007
External links
- Cowboy Mouth official site
- Cowboy Mouth at Facebook
- Cowboy Mouth Artist Page at Valley Entertainment
- VoodooShoppe -- The Cowboy Mouth Wiki
- Quote from the play