Louisiana native Curley Taylor has been immersed in music his entire life. Born into a musical family, he began his professional career at 16 playing drums in his father’s band, Jude Taylor and the Burning Flames—a group steeped in Louisiana Blues, Soul, and Zydeco.

By 25, Curley had performed alongside Louisiana musical legends including CC Adcock, Steve Riley, John Hart, “L’il” Bob and the Lollipops, and his uncles “L’il” Buck Senegal and Wayne “Blue” Burns. He also toured with CJ Chenier, son of the “King of Zydeco” Clifton Chenier and a Zydeco legend himself.

While touring with CJ Chenier’s band, Curley discovered his passion for the accordion. Within six months of purchasing his first instrument, he had mastered it, playing “with great emotion and natural feeling,” according to fellow musicians.

Encouraged by friends Keith Clements (keyboards) and Eric Minx (drums) to start his own band, Curley first accepted an offer to play drums with Geno Delafose and French Rockin Boogie, one of Louisiana’s most popular Zydeco bands. He toured internationally with them for several years while continuing to practice accordion and write original music.

In 2003, Curley launched Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble. His debut CD “Country Boy” received rave reviews, with artists comparing his sound to the late, great Beau Jocque. Since then, Curley has released six more CDs of original music, establishing himself as one of Zydeco’s most prolific composers. His latest album “Rise Up” was released in 2018. In 2025, he was featured on “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,” a compilation honoring Clifton Chenier that won Best Regional Roots Music Album at the 2026 GRAMMYS.

Curley’s bluesy, soulful vocals and his band’s hard-driving Zydeco beat create high-energy dance music that appeals to diverse audiences. True to its roots in Zydeco and Blues while remaining contemporary, his music has won fans across the country. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble tour extensively throughout the US, playing festivals and clubs from New York to San Diego and Florida to Seattle. They’ve performed at major festivals including Rhythm and Roots in Ninigret, RI, the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, OR, and Jazz Fest in New Orleans. When home in Louisiana, you’ll find Curley in the studio working on new music or performing in local clubs around the Lafayette/Opelousas area.