Biography
Just as her zydeco career was gaining momentum through constant performances shuttling across Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, and Texas, Donna Angelle endured an extended interruption caused by a severe automobile collision. Born Donna Charles in St. Martin Parish, the multi-instrumentalist had already established herself on bass, an instrument rarely chosen by the leader of a zydeco ensemble and further distinguished by her gender, since such bands were customarily fronted by male accordionists. Upon recovering, the resolute bandleader issued several recordings and opened for Beau Jocque, Denise LaSalle, Latimore, and Chubby Carrier.
Angelle’s passion for music surfaced in childhood. At eight, her parents began fostering her abilities on Cypress Island. During seventh grade in Breaux Bridge she entered the school band, where her teacher instructed her on flute, viola, saxophone, and clarinet. Additional inspiration arrived via Gladys Knight and Curtis Mayfield recordings, as well as the television programs American Bandstand and Soul Train. After graduating high school in 1970 she worked as a keyboardist and vocalist for Bobby Price, then joined the Louisiana band Cosmic Sky within a year.
Determined to lead her own group, she formed Chapter IV, its name taken from a Bible verse. After repeated difficulties with bass players she adopted the instrument herself, thereby securing future stability and enabling sideman work with Archie Bell and Barbara Lynn. The accident then intervened, delaying her return until 1994, when she assembled a fresh ensemble devoted to a fusion of zydeco, hip-hop, and classic soul oldies. Months later Mike Lachney of Bad Weather Productions, producer of zydeco acts such as Rosie Ledet, Lady T, John Delafose, and Pee Wee & the Boll Weevils, offered her a contract. Her debut release, Zydeco Soul, appeared on cassette in 1995. In 1997 she joined Floyd Soileau’s Maison de Soul label, which issued the 1998 album Old Man’s Sweetheart featuring her backing band the Zydeco Posse. Down the Bayou followed, on which Angelle set aside bass for accordion on several selections.
Angelle’s passion for music surfaced in childhood. At eight, her parents began fostering her abilities on Cypress Island. During seventh grade in Breaux Bridge she entered the school band, where her teacher instructed her on flute, viola, saxophone, and clarinet. Additional inspiration arrived via Gladys Knight and Curtis Mayfield recordings, as well as the television programs American Bandstand and Soul Train. After graduating high school in 1970 she worked as a keyboardist and vocalist for Bobby Price, then joined the Louisiana band Cosmic Sky within a year.
Determined to lead her own group, she formed Chapter IV, its name taken from a Bible verse. After repeated difficulties with bass players she adopted the instrument herself, thereby securing future stability and enabling sideman work with Archie Bell and Barbara Lynn. The accident then intervened, delaying her return until 1994, when she assembled a fresh ensemble devoted to a fusion of zydeco, hip-hop, and classic soul oldies. Months later Mike Lachney of Bad Weather Productions, producer of zydeco acts such as Rosie Ledet, Lady T, John Delafose, and Pee Wee & the Boll Weevils, offered her a contract. Her debut release, Zydeco Soul, appeared on cassette in 1995. In 1997 she joined Floyd Soileau’s Maison de Soul label, which issued the 1998 album Old Man’s Sweetheart featuring her backing band the Zydeco Posse. Down the Bayou followed, on which Angelle set aside bass for accordion on several selections.
Albums
