by Donna Lunnon, KCBS Treasurer
Everyone has to start somewhere. For me, Marc Broussard started in the Mid Continent Library in Lees Summit, MO back in 2003. I was an empty nester, kids all grown, out on their own and I had the day off. Where better to go than the public library? There was some solo guy performing live music, so why not. The librarian apparently knew this guy personally and invited him to stop by and play his guitar. There, in the middle of the library, surrounded by books, and maybe ten other spectators, was a 20-year-old Marc Broussard. I was sitting on the floor, not five feet from him. He had gruff vocals for someone so young! Never had I seen anyone sing and play with such gritty emotional force. I felt it! His music had such an impact on me.
His album Carencro was released by Island Records on August 3, 2004. The album title pays tribute to the musician’s hometown of Carencro, Louisiana. The album’s first single is Home. And that’s the power I heard in the MCL in Lees Summit, MO.
Broussard comes from a musical family, and music played a significant role during his childhood. His father, Ted Broussard, is a guitarist, previously a member of The Boogie Kings, and sometimes plays with Marc on tour. What a treat that would be!
I just saw Marc in Columbia, MO at the Blue Note, I was not disappointed, but he doesn’t sing “Home” like he did at the library. He and other artists talk about having creative control over their work. He now has that and can be more creative. He is quoted as saying “We’re in a place that it’s better than it’s ever been… I’m putting out more music I ever have in my life.” His strategy is to record music and release it as soon as possible.
You can find out more about Marc Broussard at Rock and Blues Muse: Interview: Marc Broussard Talks Blues For Your Soul