Brian Soileau

Brian Soileau Born: July 19, 1969 Alexandria, Louisiana Married: to Cathy with 3 children: Michael, Casey, and Lauren. Musical Influences: Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Pride, Waylon Jennings, and George Strait. Brian's Soileau's musical influences begin not with famous singers but his own relatives. Brian's early childhood memories are filled with thoughts of listening to his father's band, The Masonites, on occasions when he was allowed to go to some of the dances they played in the Allen Parish area. His father's band played the Louisiana born "Swamp Pop". Also fond memories of riding on a tractor with his maternal grandfather as he worked his garden and sang Hank Williams and Bob Wills tunes sticks out in his mind. Brian's paternal grandfather played the accordion and often sat on his front porch and played for family gatherings.      Regardless of which of the three you ask him about, he will tell you that they all played a part in his early love of music. The diversity of music he was exposed to throughout his childhood by his family members is obvious in his singing style today.      After graduating high school, Brian headed up several small bands, until 1991 when he sang Hank Williams Jr.'s part of the duet "Big Mamou" with Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman. Newman was impressed and encouraged Brian to continue his pursuit of music. Since that time Brian has continued to nurture his love of music. These days he does that with what he says is the best band he's ever played with, The Bayou Katz. The band includes not only his brother, Brad, but his long time musical partner Herbert Reed, who has played the fiddle with Brian for many years.