What were you doing when you were two years old? Making mud pies? Eating crayons? Tormenting your parents? Guyton Leday of Opelousas, LA, was like a lot of kids his age, with one exception: he was learning to play accordion, zydeco-style.
Six years later (at the ripe old age of eight), Guyton is featured on an HBO documentary premiering tonight called The Music in Me: Children’s Recitals from Classical to Latin, Jazz to Zydeco. The show focuses on six inspiring musical prodigies, each from a different musical and cultural tradition.
As the great, great grandson of the late Delton Broussard, Guyland clearly has the zydeco spirit in his blood. By the time he was four, he was already onstage playing with Zydeco Force, which features his great uncle Jeffrey Broussard on accordion. Last night, Guyland played Carnegie Hall in New York with an all-star zydeco band of friends and family (including Terrance Simien) to promote the documentary.
The show premieres tonight on HBO at 7pm, but will air a number of times there (and on HBO Family) this month. So set your Tivo now!
18 Comments:
That is pretty amazing that he can play the accordion upside-down (left handed)!
by anna on October 7th, 2006
I had the most wonderful Sunday afternoon watching the story on Guyland. God Bless that 7year old and to watch his grandmother talk about her father and how Guyland saw him in his dreams was absolutly breath taking! God Bless this family.
by cathy fluta on October 16th, 2006
That’s great to hear, Cathy! I still haven’t seen the show, but I’m trying to track down a recording.
by Chris on October 16th, 2006
Guyland, you are a kick in the pants, keep playing and have fun and thanks for the music.
If you ever come to the northwest, I’m happy to help do whatever it takes to make sure your shows are sold out!!
by Lisa on October 16th, 2006
Guyland is a wonderful accordian player. I expect him to go real far in the music industry. He plays the original style zydeco music.
by Kim Manuel on October 25th, 2006
Guyland fans — be sure to check out the Ellen show this Friday. Guyland will be performing with Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience. More info here.
by Chris on October 25th, 2006
As a native of New Awlins I was so proud when I saw Guyland on the HBO special!!! Where can I purchase a CD??? YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!!!!!
by Robyn on November 12th, 2006
Robyn, I don’t think Guyland has a solo CD yet, but he does play on the most recent album by Zydeco Force. Click here for more information.
by Chris on November 12th, 2006
I had the honor of teaching Guyland in kindergarten at Plaisance Elementary School. He is a very talented young boy. He played his accordian for our class graduation and did very well. I was amazed. Good Luck Guyland!
by Lori Speyrer on November 16th, 2006
Hey Guyland this is a 8th grader at plaisiance,and i just wanted to let you know that you are very talented.You have lots of talent and i hope you express yourself like it.You started at a very young age playin the accordian and you do such a wonderful job at it.Good Luck and i hope you win!!!!!!
by Quineycia on November 16th, 2006
What a treat to hear this young man play. I am glad your talents are recognized, Guyland, and I wish you success. Congradulations from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
by Dale on December 15th, 2006
I really enjoy cajun music especially young muscians like Hunter Hayes and Guyland. They are extraordinary individuals and God given talent children.
Cajun music lover,
LaVon Jozwiak
by LaVon Jozwiak on April 2nd, 2008
We’re trying to put together a good zydeco band in the Dallas / Fort Worth (Texas) area. If someone knows of a really good Zydeco or Tejano accordian player, please contact me at HenryStinson@yahoo.com
by Henry Stinson on April 10th, 2008
I saw Guyland on the HBO documentary. He brought tears to my eyes with his extraordinary talent. Guyland is TRULY a gift from God.
by Gloria Mc on May 5th, 2008
Can’t wait to hear him again; what a gifted young man! My husband and I live in our motorhome (we could be in the same state that he will be in) and would like to know when and where Guyland will be entertaining people along with his talented family. We would love to be in attendance. Thank you.
by ann marie on December 29th, 2008
PLEASE CALL ME IN HOUSTON, TEXAS (832) 423-0081. WE WANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO BOOK GUYLAND ON THE THIRD SATURDAY FEBRUARY 2010 FOR OUR FESTIVAL. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PURCHASE SOME COPIES OF HIS CD WITH i WANT YOU TO BE MY GIRL FRIEND.
by (King) Arthur Prayther of KAP on November 1st, 2009
We would love to book Guyland Leday for our Black History Music Feistival on February 20, 2010. Please call King Arthur Prayther of KAP at (832-423-0081
by (King) Arthur Prayther on November 10th, 2009
I have a desire to see and hear Guyland Leday’s Zydeco band performance and book him for a function in Pearland Texas. You may call me at 713-443-7635. My name is Maurice Davis I am looking forward to haering from you guys.
by maurice davis on March 30th, 2011