THE BEST PARTY BAND IN LOUISIANA
The GTO Party Band was organized in March 1999 by horn players Ray Blanchard, Ken Quebedeaux, and Darryl Ransonet (deceased). They were members of a blues band from New Iberia, LA and decided to start their own band. Darryl put up the money to purchase sound equipment and came up with the name GTO & D-Street Brass. Later on Darryl suggested we use the name GTO Party Band. Darryl Ransonet was the band leader and the lifeblood of the group for years. He will be remembered as “The Founder” of the GTO Party Band.
AMY LYNN
Vocals
Amy Lynn is an award-winning vocalist who was born in Thibodaux, LA. She began competing nationally as a teenager and has been a professional vocalist for the last 20 years. Amy Lynn has performed with vocalists such as Marc Broussard, Irma Thomas, and Michael Cooper of Con Funk Shun. Amy Lynn has taught vocal music to individuals of all ages and currently works with children as a counselor in Lafayette, LA.
STEVE ADAMS
Drums & Vocals
Steve was raised in the suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana. He performed on Bourbon Street with artists like Dr. John, Michael McDonald and Aaron Neville. Steve is not only “the voice” behind a set of drums, his showmanship has earned him invitations to front for bands like GG Shinn, T.K. Hulin & Smoke and Foret Tradition. He was inducted into the Gulf Coast Regional Hall of Fame, while fronting with the Boogie Kings. In 2009, he was inducted into the West Bank Music Hall of Fame in Gretna, La. Steve performs locally with his group “The Steve Adams Trio” and is now a member of The GTO Party Band.
BOBBY BABINEAUX
Guitar & Vocals
Bobby was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 1996. He was the songwriter for the featured song “You Can’t Buy My Love” on Robert Plant’s platinum CD “Band of Joy.” He has also written songs for B.J. Thomas and Barbara Lynn. Bobby began his music career playing with Billy John and the Continentals, who was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame for the “Alligator” song and dance. Now he is a member of the GTO Party Band.
RAY BLANCHARD
Saxophone
Ray was born in St. Martinville, Louisiana and now resides in Lafayette, La. He has played with Hank Thibs & the Allstars, Glen & the Glades and T.K. Hulin & Smoke. Ray was one of the three founding members of The GTO Party Band in 1999. He’s had the pleasure of performing a dual show with “GTO” and Three Dog Night.
JOHN PRADOS
Drums And Sound
John was born in Loreauville, LA and now resides in St. Martinville, LA. One of the first bands he played with was the Soul Crowd, which was formally Glen and the Glades. Other groups include Mandrake, Evangeline Maid, Joe Douglas, and T.K. Hulin. John’s most memorable experience as a musician was touring through Canada, Europe, and Africa with Zachary Richard.
HARVEY GIROUARD
Keyboard
Harvey was born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now lives in Scott, La. with his family. He started his music career playing with Gene Ricky & the Swingers. Harvey has performed with many groups, including Bobby B & the Rockers, The Hydramatics and is now with The GTO Party Band. He often donates his time & talents with other musician friends at Maison de Lafayette Nursing Home.
BILL LEBLANC
Bass
ERIC LEBLANC
Saxophone
Eric was born in Abbeville, Louisiana, and now lives in Maurice, Louisiana. He is a local Band Director in Lafayette. He’s played with the saxophone Robbie Bush Band, as well as with the Skyliners Big Band. Eric has always been the spark that ignites the energy of the GTO Party Band.