Background
Andre was born in Richmond, California on July 9, 1979, to Olivia “Tee” Guillory originally from Basile, Louisiana and Gregory Thierry, originally from Jennings, Louisiana.
Andre was born in Richmond, California on July 9, 1979, to Olivia “Tee” Guillory originally from Basile, Louisiana and Gregory Thierry, originally from Jennings, Louisiana.
He leads the band Zydeco Magic. In America, great migrations produce great music Just as Delta musicians took Highway 61 to Chicago and electrified their blues, so did the Creoles and Cajuns migrate to California and establish vital dance communities.
Thierry is among the best of both the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, and he combines youthful vigor with a mature appreciation for his inherited tradition.
The best Zydeco musicians Louisiana had to offer traveled to California to play at the dances and spent considerable time at the Pitre’s house while in the area. On one such visit, the “King of Zydeco,” Clifton Chenier, grabbed three-year-old Andre by the arms and deemed him a future accordion player.
From then on, Andre’s father encouraged the young Andre to play the accordion. Captivated by Chenier, Andre began teaching himself to play by listening to Clifton"s music
Andre demonstrated an innate musical ability and his skill quickly grew.
He soon began playing Chenier’s music on stages all over Northern California. Thierry is a virtuoso on the accordion. Although Andre’s instrument of choice is the accordion he also displays talent on bass guitar, rhythm guitar and drums.
He sings traditional songs in original Creole French and his voice has been characterized as rich and soulful.