Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Ils Sont Partis Band

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. was born into a musical family in Lafayette, Louisiana, a city deeply rooted in the sounds of zydeco and Creole culture. His father, Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, Sr., was a legendary figure in zydeco music, and Buckwheat, Jr. was immersed in music from a young age. Growing up just doors away from zydeco icon Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Jr. was surrounded by the vibrant rhythms and melodies that defined Louisiana's cultural landscape.

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At just 17, Buckwheat, Jr. began his musical journey by joining his father’s band, initially playing the rubboard, a signature instrument in zydeco music. His early training was informal, as he learned by ear, much like his father had done. Over time, Buckwheat, Jr. expanded his musical talents, becoming a multi-instrumentalist who played the Hammond B-3 organ, accordion, and other instruments. He eventually stepped into the role of frontman for the Ils Sont Partis Band, a group founded by his father and now synonymous with the zydeco genre.

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A Legendary Career in the Making

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr.'s career has been marked by significant milestones, both alongside his father and as a solo artist. He shared the stage with some of the most renowned figures in music, including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Dwight Yoakam, and Los Lobos, to name a few. These collaborations helped him hone his craft and shape a unique musical voice that blends zydeco, blues, and rock influences.

Playing with his father have earned them accolades, playing prestigious events such as two inaugural balls in honor of U.S. presidents. His television appearances include major shows like The David Letterman Show, CBS Morning News, and Good Morning America, showcasing his dynamic stage presence to a global audience.

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Awards and Recognition

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and The Ils Sont Partis Band has earned numerous prestigious awards and nominations:

• 2024: Winner, Best Regional Roots Music Album – New Beginnings (66th Annual GRAMMY Awards)
• 2024: Winner, two Best of The Beat Music Awards for Best Zydeco Artist and Best Zydeco Album.
• 2024: got inducted at the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.
• Additionally, his dad and The Ils Sont Partis Band have received four Grammy nominations across a range of categories:
• 1987: Nominee, Best Contemporary Blues Recording – On A Night Like This
• 1986: Nominee, Best Traditional Folk Recording – Waitin' For My Ya Ya
• 1985: Nominee, Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording – Turning Point
• 1984: Nominee, Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording – 100% Fortified Zydeco
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• 2009: Winner, Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album – Lay Your Burden Down (52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards)
• Emmy Award for his musical contributions to the CBS TV movie Pistol Pete: The Life and Times of Pete Maravich.

Carrying On the Family Legacy

Following the death of his father in 2016, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. assumed the mantle of his father’s musical legacy, continuing to lead the Ils Sont Partis Band. This band, which was originally formed by Stanley Dural, Sr., is a tribute to the vibrant tradition of zydeco and remains a vital force in spreading the genre's infectious rhythms worldwide. Buckwheat, Jr. now performs with his father’s iconic custom monogrammed accordion and shares the stage with his son, Kyle Anthony Dural, who plays the rubboard. This family connection is deeply meaningful to Buckwheat, Jr., who reflects, “Everywhere I go, my son is on my right. It really is a blessing.”

His dedication to preserving and evolving zydeco music ensures that the genre continues to thrive, captivating audiences both young and old.

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The Future of Zydeco

As an ambassador for zydeco and blues, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. is committed to ensuring that these musical traditions are passed on to future generations. His music blends the past with the present, fusing the traditional sounds of zydeco with contemporary influences. With the Ils Sont Partis Band, he continues to perform around the globe, reaching new audiences and celebrating the cultural richness of Louisiana’s musical heritage.

Having performed over 2,500 shows, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. is one of the most passionate and influential figures in roots music. As he carries forward his father's legacy, he is ensuring that zydeco remains a vibrant, joyful, and family-friendly genre that invites people from all walks of life to dance and celebrate.

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Legacy, Family, and a Bright Future

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr.'s story is one of musical inheritance, hard work, and dedication to preserving the spirit of zydeco music. From a young boy learning the craft of music by ear, to becoming a Grammy-winning artist, he continues to make his mark on the world stage. With his band and his son by his side, he is ensuring that zydeco music will continue to inspire and uplift audiences for generations to come.