Herman LeBeaux is a percussionist, composer, arranger and educator — the New Orleans native emerged on the music scene in the early 80’s. LeBeaux holds degrees from Xavier University and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While completing his masters’ degree program at UMass, LeBeaux had the honor of studying under the tutelage of the famed Max Roach.
While LeBeaux’s main area of musical works has been primarily in the jazz idiom performing with famed jazz musicians, he has made the transition effortlessly into all genres of music. Upon joining Allen Toussaint’s band in 1996, Herman has toured and been the drummer on several recordings and DVD projects namely, the Katrina inspired, From the Big Apple to the Big Easy and the Keep it Funky, chronicling the life and music of New Orleans funk masters Allen Toussaint, Art Neville & Dr. John. Taking his talents to the big screen, Herman was a cast member for the Oscar winning movie, Ray, where he played the drummer in the Ray Charles’ band
Herman LeBeaux has performed and/or shared the stage with legendary performers: Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Max Roach, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, The Platters, The Drifters, the, The Doobie Brothers, The Time, Cameo, Marilyn McCoo, Lloyd Price, Mose Alison, Irma Thomas, Charles Neville, Kermit Ruffins and the list continues. He has made appearances on Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and Late Nite with Conan Obrien.
When not performing in the US and abroad, Herman lives in New Orleans where he has taught at the famous NOCCA institute; Xavier University and currently UNO.
