Most people need no introduction to the immense talent of Rockin' Sidney, but for those who are unfamiliar with "THE TOOT TOOT MAN" and/or his music, perhaps a little background is in order.

Sidney Joseph Simien, better known as "Rockin Sidney," was born on April 9, 1938, in LeBeau, Louisiana. He began playing the guitar and harmonica professionally as a teenager and released his first recording in 1958.

Sidney relocated to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the mid-1960s and often performed solo at the organ in lounges and nite-spots around the area. Since he had grown up amidst the sound of Creole French, he found it only natural to try his hand at the happy-go-lucky Zydeco Music that was gaining popularity.

There are many accordionists, but none as inventive and dynamic as Rockin' Sidney. He manages to blend the old Cajun Music with Blues and Soul to create his unique and distinct sound that is all his own. Rockin' Sidney is the only artist in his field who writes, arranges, engineers, and produces his own songs from his private 24 track recording studio while playing all of the instruments himself.

The phenomenal hit, "My Toot Toot" spotlighted Rockin' Sidney as the superb recording star and performer that he truly is. It also made what is a dream for many entertainers a reality for him and earned him a Gold Record, two W.C. Handy Awards, two BMI Awards, and a Grammy.

Rockin' Sidney has appeared on many national TV shows, including Nashville Now, Church Street Station, HeeHaw, Austin City Limits, John Fogerty's Showtime Special, New Country, Charlie Daniels Jam, and as a guest celebrity on You Can Be A Star.

Articles about Rockin' Sidney have appeared in such magazines as Rolling Stone, People, Billboard, and Music City News.

When Rockin' Sidney was not performing or creating new music in his studio, you could always find him at his radio station, KAOK AM and KEAZ FM, or at his "Festival City" lounge and hall.

While he awaits the Rapture, sweet memories will be cherished by his wife Carol Collins Simien.

Sidney is also survived by four sons, Sidney, Jr., Wayne, and Bradford Simien, all of Chicago, Illinois, and Steven Gardner of Lake Charles, Louisiana; two step-daughters, Stephanie Chachere Jacobs of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Cheryl Chachere Ballou of Waco, Texas; six grandchildren and six step-grandchildren.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Paul and Rosa Lee Simien of LeBeau, Louisiana; eight sisters, Judy Livings and Value Lee Francis both of Houston, Texas, Debra Sue Ornesine of Lafayette, Louisiana, Lucenda Mack of Willis, Texas, Majesta LeDee of New Iberia, Louisiana, Mildred LeDee of Lawtell, Louisiana, Dorothy Singleton of Sulphur, Louisiana, and Lucy Chenevert of Carencro, Louisiana; two brothers, Francis Simien of Lawtell, Louisiana, and Roger Simien of LeBeau, Louisiana.

He is preceded in death by his mother Bertha Simien, one brother Paul Simien, Jr., and one sister Agnes Simien.