Albums

The Boogie Kings

“Louisiana’s Blue-Eyed Soul & Swamp Pop Ambassadors”

Quick Intro

The Boogie Kings—formed in Eunice, Louisiana in 1955—became one of the region’s most enduring blue-eyed soul and swamp pop bands. With a sound blending New Orleans R&B, soul, country, and swamp pop influences, they’ve been a stalwart presence in Louisiana music, especially through their long and fruitful relationship with Jin Records of Ville Platte.

In-Depth Profile

Founded by Doug Ardoin, Skip Morris, Bert Miller, and Harris Miller, The Boogie Kings quickly expanded in the early 1960s. Trumpeter and arranger Ned Theall emerged as the central figure, steering the band toward “blue-eyed soul” and swamp pop fusion. In 1965, under the Jin Records banner, the group recorded their debut self-titled album in Ville Platte—produced by Floyd Soileau—marking the start of their long-standing label association.

Throughout the mid-60s, their lineup featured standout performers like Clint West (vocals), G.G. Shinn, and later Jerry LaCroix (a.k.a. Jerry “Count” Jackson), backed by formidable instrumentalists. Their recordings, though regional, were known for their polished R&B-powerhouse approach.

Despite turnover and even legal disputes over the band name, the core “Boogie Kings” identity endured. They disbanded in the early ’70s, relit spark through reunions starting in 1974, and resumed recording and touring by the late ’80s.

Signature Jin Records Releases

  • Self-Titled Album (1965) — Their Jin debut, recorded in Ville Platte under Floyd Soileau’s label, solidified their soulful swamp pop sound.
  • Sam Montel Presents The Boogie Kings (Jin) — A 1964 studio collection featuring R&B and soul staples, showcasing their versatility.
  • Nine Lives (Live) (Jin, 1992) — A high-voltage live recording captured on New Year’s Eve 1990 in Baton Rouge.
  • Louisiana Country Soul (Jin, 1993) — A studio album blending swamp pop, country soul, and R&B, reflecting their continued regional relevance.
  • Swamp Boogie Blues (Jin, 1995) — A revival-era album packed with swamp pop classics featuring guest stars like Johnnie Allan, Tommy McLain, Rod Bernard, and others. Called “one of the defining albums of the swamp blues revival.”

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2010, celebrating more than 55 years of music excellence.
  • Widely recognized as pivotal figures in Louisiana’s swamp pop and blue-eyed soul scenes, maintaining long-standing regional and reunion prominence.

Bonus Notes

  • During the mid-1960s, high-energy performances and savvy branding led the Kings to compete head-to-head with rival acts, shaping the live swamp pop landscape across Acadiana and East Texas.
  • Ned Theall’s leadership and arrangements were key to the band’s longevity and stylistic identity—from swamp pop roots to soul, R&B, and country fusion.