Terry Clement and the Tune Tones- French Blues

Terry Clement was born May 5, 1934. Growing up, Terry and his brothers (Purvis and Grant) all played musical instruments. Terry grew up idolizing Nathan Abshire and soon took to playing the accordion. Purvis learned the fiddle, while Grant became a great guitar player by the age of 12. They were some of the youngest playing French music and had to work hard finding work playing as the older players held them in contempt.

Their first record was "Diggy Liggy Lo". The song gave the band the boost it needed for better bookings and higher pay. In the late 50's and early 60's, it was tough for Terry and his band. Rock and Roll and Swamp Pop put Cajun French bands out of work. To survive, Terry and his brothers started playing rockabilly for Miller.

By the 1960's J.D. Miller had more than five 45rpm labels. It is rumored that he even had over 100 labels. Jukebox owners wouldn't put on alot of one label on their jukeboxes. Miller, always the entrepreneur; found ways to get the records out there. Terry and his brothers rock and roll sides are lively and upbeat and carried the same energy with them they had on the Cajun French sides. During the early 1960's Terry and his brothers recorded on multiple 45 labels for Miller.


By 1961, Terry Clement's musical hero was also recording for J.D. Miller. Nathan Abshire was recording for Miller's Kajun label at this time. Terry had sides out on Rocko, Zynn and Cajun Classics during this era. Although many details aren't known, we do know in 1961, Terry got to record with Nathan on the Zynn label. They did a upbeat number of Nathan's "French Blues" with Nathan on accordion. Nathan originally recorded "French Blues" with the Rayne Bo Ramblers in 1935 on the Bluebird label.


On the record its Terry Clement and the Tune Tones, featuring Terry, Purvis Clement on fiddle, Nathan Abshire on accordion, Grant Clement on guitar, Linus Simar on steel guitar and Ronnie Goudreaux on drums. Nathan's accordion playing on the song is strong as during this era he was in his prime. The experience must have had a profound effect on Terry and his brothers recording with their musical idol. After Nathan's passing they recorded a tribute album on Miller's revived Kajun label to Nathan. It was recorded in 1984 and is highly recommended.

Resources
Liner notes- Crowley Two Step by Bruce Bastin
Lyle Ferbrache- Acadian All Star Special
Wade Falcon- Early Cajun Music blog