Abbeville, Louisiana native and swamp pop legend Warren Storm, 84, died on Tuesday September 7 according to multiple sources, including local Eunice radio station KBON 101.1 where presenter Todd Ortego announced that The Godfather of Swamp Pop passed away according to what Todd described as a ‘reliable source.’ Local musician Ryan Foret shared the news in a post Tuesday, simply saying, “RIP Warren Storm.”
“I had the pleasure of performing a few times with Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Legend and The Godfather of Swamp Pop, Warren Storm,” wrote Juba Norman another local muso, “I just found out and regret to say that Warren has passed away. He was an amazing, talented musician who achieved legendary status. He influenced the Beatles and performed regularly with Robert Plant. He will be missed…please pray for his family.”
Storm had reportedly been hospitalised since mid-August, according to multiple social media posts from friends and family.
Warren Storm was born in Abbeville born February 18, 1937, and as a drummer and vocalist, became known as a pioneer of swamp pop, recording for numerous record labels over the years. His best known songs included ‘The Prisoner’s Song’ and ‘Mama, Mama, Mama (Look What Your Little Boy’s Done).’ His most recent album, Taking The World By Storm – also the title of his autobiography – was released in 2019. Storm was inducted into both Louisiana’s and Texas’ Music Hall of Fame.
In the 2000s, Storm was a member of Lil’ Band O’ Gold – an Acadiana supergroup that featured swamp pop icons such Tommy McClain, Steve Riley, Dave Egan, Richard Comeaux and C.C. Adcock along with saxophonist Dickie Landry – and took the music around the world, touring Australia twice. The band released their self-titled album in 2000, followed by The Promised Land/A Swamp Pop Journey which was also the title of a documentary about the band. They also appeared with Robert Plant on a Fats Domino tribute album and released Plays Fats in 2012.
In the early 1950s Storm began to perform publicly, befriended fellow Abbeville musician Bobby Charles, and the two would travel to New Orleans to hear black rhythm and blues artists in the local nightclubs. In 1956 Storm founded his own group, and in 1958 he began recording in Crowley, Louisiana, for record producer J. D. ‘Jay’ Miller.
During the 1980s and ’90s, Storm appeared as a regular house musician at several south Louisiana clubs, and in 1989 recorded the Cajun Born LP with fellow south Louisiana musicians Rufus Thibodeaux, Johnnie Allan, and Clint West. In later years he also appeared with Willie Tee in the outfit Cypress.