Albums

Deuce of Hearts

“Father-Son Swamp Pop from Lafourche Parish”

Quick Intro

Deuce of Hearts is the father-son duo of Gary and Travis Thibodaux from Lockport, Louisiana. Known for their heartfelt Swamp Pop ballads and tight harmonies, they were signed to Jin Records in the mid-1990s and quickly became regional favorites. Their breakout single “Take My Hand” was later covered by Wayne Toups, cementing their place in the genre’s modern canon.

In-Depth Profile

Gary Thibodaux, a seasoned singer-songwriter with decades of experience, teamed up with his son Travis in 1988 to form Deuce of Hearts. Travis began drumming at age 3, singing lead by age 7, and composing music by 12. Their debut single “Take My Hand” (1994) reached the Top 10 on several South Louisiana radio stations and led to their signing with Jin Records.

Their discography includes Oh What A Night (JIN CD904329), Long Overdue (JIN), and Hearts On Fire (independent). In 2002, Jin released The Best of Deuce of Hearts: Louisiana Swamp Pop 1995–2002 (JIN-9076), compiling highlights from their first three albums. Their sound features Gary’s soulful vocals and Travis’ higher register, supported by South Louisiana stalwarts like Nelson Blanchard, Willie T, and Kelly Griffin.

Though both have pursued solo projects, they continue to record and perform as Deuce of Hearts. Their arrangements often include keyboards, guitars, bass, and drums played by the Thibodauxs themselves, with occasional guest musicians. Their lyrics explore themes of love, heartbreak, and Louisiana pride, making them a staple of modern Swamp Pop playlists.

Signature Tracks

  • “Take My Hand” — Their debut hit, later covered by Wayne Toups; a heartfelt Swamp Pop anthem

  • “Talk to Me in Heaven” — A tearjerker ballad with Gary’s emotive lead vocals

  • “Ring Ring That Phone Again” — Catchy and nostalgic, with Travis on harmony

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Jin Records Releases — Oh What A Night, Long Overdue, The Best of Deuce of Hearts (JIN-9076)

  • Radio Success — “Take My Hand” reached Top 10 on multiple South Louisiana stations

  • Wayne Toups Cover — “Take My Hand” featured on Toups’ 1995 best-selling album

  • Swamp Gold Compilation — Gary’s “Time and Time Again” featured on Swamp Gold Vol. 4

Bonus Notes

  • Travis sings lead on “Take My Hand,” “What Do You Think A Heart Is For,” and several others, showcasing his youthful tone

  • Gary’s vocals shine on “Ring Ring That Phone Again” and “Talk to Me in Heaven,” adding emotional depth to their catalog

Album Reviews

The Best of Deuce of Hearts: Louisiana Swamp Pop 1995
The Sun Herald, South Mississippi — Written by Ricky Flake

“Coast listeners who dig classic Swamp Pop will really enjoy this album.”

A father-son duo from Lafouche Parish, Gary and Travis Thibodaux began playing and writing as Deuce Of Hearts in 1988. Gary has more than 20 years of experience as a singer-songwriter, and Travis began drumming at age 3 and composing songs at age 12. They have built a considerable repertoire of songs and recordings in the Swamp Pop field. “Take My Hand,” their debut single, was released in 1994 and made the Top 10 of several South Louisiana radio stations. They were signed by JIN shortly thereafter. Wayne Toups covered the song on his best-selling album in 1995. This disc compiles the highlights of Deuce of Hearts’ first three albums: “Oh What A Night” (JIN), “Long Overdue” (JIN), and “Hearts On Fire” (independently released). this Thibodaux twosome has been working on solo projects, but they also plan to keep working as Deuce of Hearts. Gary and Wayne handle most of the vocals, with assistance from Willie T and Kelly Griffin as occasional background singers. they also play keyboards, guitars, bass and drums with help from Nelson Blanchard (keys, guitar) and a host of other South Louisiana stalwarts. Travis’ voice is the higher of the two, he sings lead on “Take My Hand” and “What Do You Think A Heart Is For” as well as several others. Gary’s vocals take center stage on such songs as “Ring Ring That Phone Again” and the tearful “Talk To Me In Heaven.” Coast listeners who dig classic Swamp Pop will really enjoy this album.