“The two years that we had GG and Jerry as a team molded the sound and style of the band as we totally broke away from the old sound of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. Dubbing themselves “the King Brothers,” Shinn and Lacroix teamed up on numerous duets like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” and “Let It Be Me.” It was their unbridled artistry and soul that lifted the Boogie Kings – as tight and musically proficient as the musicians themselves were – from mere cover band to something loftier.

Bill and Bobby have made many public comments about the talent of these two guys,” Theall recalled. “The Righteous Brothers really were in awe of GG and Jerry. GG Shinn and Jerry LaCroix, the King BrothersIn its heyday the twin Shinn-Lacroix vocal attack drew admiration even from megastars. Shinn and his monstrous vocal chops make their welcome return to this year’s 13th annual Ponderosa Stomp. And that’s saying something, given the cavalcade of great singers who’ve done tours of duty within the BK ranks, like Clint West, Tommy McLain, Lil’ Alfred Babino, Duane Yates, Allen Wayne, and Gregg Martinez, to name just a few. His short-but-indelible stint, during which time he fueled a power-packed vocal tandem with Jerry Lacroix, is still considered the group’s apex. But his legacy with Louisiana’s longest-running rock ‘n’ roll band is so strong that his spirit never really left. It was 1966 when singer-trumpeter GG Shinn split from the Boogie Kings. … An artist with the talent of a GG Shinn does not need to share the money 12 ways.” – Boogie Kings bandleader Ned Theall, recounting Shinn’s exit from the group

Louisiana swamp song