Ceasar Elloie

Ceasar Michael Elloie

Ceasar Elloie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to a culture where music is very likely the first sound a child entering his formative years would easily understand. Ceasar was no exception. Being the offspring of a mother who regularly attended services at area Baptist churches, Ceasar and his siblings were always in tow. It is this exposure to gospel music that contributed to the embedding of a spirit in Ceasar’s soul that is now expressed through song. Also noted, this same mother was often regarded as a clone of the renowned Queen of Soul, Ms. Aretha Franklin. So, combining the spiritual nature of his upbringing and the powerful singing voice of his mother; hence, we have Mr. Ceasar Michael Elloie.

Ceasar came of age in a family home where music was a constant, either on the radio, the television or the Hi Fidelity stereo. There were never-ending sounds from the likes of Johnny Mathis, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Wilson, or Otis Redding, to name a few. Exposure on this level was instrumental in Ceasar’s musical growth, and it was evident when at the age of 14, he was invited to join a band that showcased their talents around town in various settings which included private functions. Continuing to hone his skills, Ceasar would entertain his peers by breaking out in rhyme, or singing chants during the many school bus rides to area football games during his junior high years. Some of the favorites were Shoo Fly Don’t Bother Me, Tipatina, ‘Lil Rider, Hey Pockyway and Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”.

After leaving high school, having sang in the school’s choir, and held the lead singer position in a popular funk band, Ceasar entered his freshman year at Southern University in New Orleans, where he became a member of the Jazz Big Band under the direction of Dr. Edward “Kid” Jordan.

At Southern, he was given his first real lesson in professional studio recording. Dr. Jordan made arrangements with a recording studio that allowed his students to come in and actually create industry grade recordings. It was there that Ceasar recorded and printed his first 45 record entitled, “I Don’t Know”, with a flip side “Who Stole the Funk”. In 1983, Ceasar distributed 400 copies to individuals from around the world while on a two month singing engagement in Tokyo, Japan.

More than 20 years later, calls are being received from record collectors requesting original copies of this unit. Music auction sites such as popsike.com, eBay, and collector’s frenzy recently accepted bids on this rare unit for as much as $164.00 each.

Following Ceasar’s stint in Tokyo, where after one noted performance, he was honored by members of the United States Embassy with a standing ovation for his masterful rendition of Al Jarreau’s “Black and Blues”, he took to the stage in Taipei, Taiwan. Performances in Taipei included shows at Brown Sugar and T I, two of the city’s premier nightclubs, as well as appearances on live television and in concert venues. Upon his return home, Ceasar resumed his employment with the City of New Orleans as a Steam Plant Engineer. Ceasar notes that he is extremely proud to have been a part of the team of engineers credited with removing water from the streets of the city, in record time, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Though grateful to work in a company that afforded him the privilege of taking extended leaves in pursuit of his musical career, Ceasar’s return is marked by his desire to ensure a stable and secure lifestyle for the first loves of his life, his two beautiful daughters.

With music still being a driving force in his heart, Ceasar soon re-emerged, performing around town with local veterans of the business including James Rivers, B. J. Crosby, and the now late Blues Queen of New Orleans, Ms. Marva Wright.

In 2010, Ceasar decided it was time to produce his first complete CD project. After assembling some to New Orleans’ finest musicians to be part of this venture, “New Orleans to Paris” was soon a finished work and was released on Ceasar’s record label, “Number Three Turbine Records”.

Being his first major production, cover songs were chosen because they are recognized as classics, and listeners are already familiar with them. Incorporating his voice and style with these tunes made it easy for the listener to embrace the smooth and silky sound that is Ceasar. Pleased with the quality of workmanship in this CD, Ceasar has deemed this project to be the signature of his career.

Today, Ceasar is preparing for his second full release which will consist of original material. It is anticipated that this one will be far better, or at least as good, as its 2010 predecessor.

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