Celebrating the Birthday of Theryl "Houseman" DeClouet
John Dunlop
Soul/R&B singer Theryl DeClouet was born in New Orleans on September 17, 1951. Also known as Houseman, DeClouet was best known as the one-time lead vocalist of the New Orleans funk and jazz group Galactic. But, he was more than that to band members who described him as a good friend, mentor, and musical collaborator. Declouet appeared on Galactic's first four studio albums as well as a live release and a compilation before health concerns forced his departure from the band and its heavy tour schedule. In 2001, he released “The Houseman Cometh” and in 2007, he released his independent solo effort, The Truth Iz Out, featuring support from longtime friend Ivan Neville and guitarist June Yamagishi. Sadly, Houseman passed away on July 15, 2018, at the age of 66. Today we celebrate his many contributions to New Orleans music and culture.