Biography
The Sam Brothers Five—vocalist and bandleader Leon, lead guitarist Carl, bassist Glen, washboard player Calvin, and drummer Rodney—ranked among the leading family ensembles in zydeco, first drawing notice as teenagers before establishing themselves as one of the circuit’s most dynamic acts. Based in Houston, the brothers drew their earliest musical direction from their father, Herbert Sam, a part-time accordionist who fronted a five-piece zydeco group of his own. Each sibling mastered an instrument in turn and entered the ensemble; when Herbert stepped away, the Sam Brothers Five formally emerged. Arhoolie Records producer Chris Strachwitz encountered the teenagers at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1979 and promptly arranged a West Coast tour while capturing their first album, the live recording Sam Brothers 5. Two years later came Cruisin’ On, after which the group concentrated on stage appearances. They resurfaced in 1989 with the studio release Zydeco Brotherhood.
Albums