Background
Leroy was son of Gilbert Leblanc and Carrie Bird Hoffpauir.
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Leroy Leblanc
Edit ProfileCareer
He is known for his recordings with Harry Choates and his broadcasts on KVOL. Next to the Hackberry Ramblers, the Rayne-Bo Ramblers was the most popular and innovative of the Cajun string bands. He traded rice in order to purchase his first guitar. Music and In 1932, his career started when he played guitar with Joe Falcon and Amedee Breaux.
Later, in 1935, he would create the band known as the "Rayne-Bo Ramblers" which started as the backup band for Nathan Abshire and played regularly at the OST Club in Rayne.
The band featured people such as “Rang Tang Bully” Joe Werner, Harry Choates, Oran "Doc" Guidry, Nathan Abshire and many more. By 1940, he and Harry recorded their first hit, "Louisiana Veuve de la Coulee".
In 1941, the band split up and Happy joined Leo Soileau"s "Rhythm Boys". Later, he would tour with Tex Ritter and appear on the world famous Louisiana Hayride.
By 1953, every morning on KVOL, Happy would play popular Cajun bands on his radio talk show.
That same year, he would meet with John Pusateri, form the "Bayou Buckaroos", and record with Bella Records of San Jose. In his later years, Happy Fats signed up with J. Doctorate. "Jay" Miller"s "Red Rebel Records". In 1966, he recorded popular segregationist tunes, including one entitled "Dear Mr.
President".
Valse de Hadacol Listen (MP3)
Crowley Two Step Listen (MP3)
Dear Mr. President Listen (MP3)
On November 9, 1980, Governor Edwin Edwards declared the day "Happy Fats" Leblanc Day. He suffered from diabetes and died in 1988.
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Born
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Died
February 23, 1988 (aged 73) -
Nationality
United States