Bob Durand

Bob Durand is a singer/songwriter from New Orleans, LA, now residing in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He started his musical adventure as a drummer, playing in various bands in New Orleans, starting in 1974. He began studying guitar in the early 2000’s to facilitate his songwriting, because drums just don’t work for that! Exposed to Trop-Rock by long-time friend John Reno Veillon, Bob started writing songs about life at the beach in addition to the other sources of inspiration he has long drawn on.

His journey has taken a few turns, starting college as a music major, earning a degree in Journalism and an MBA and spending the majority of his working life as a clinical administrator in various medical and academic settings. Music was there all the while, usually lurking in the background waiting for the opportunity to spring forth. From drummer/vocalist to guitarist/singer/songwriter, the path has been interesting. Now music is priority one and he has several regular gigs at venues in Lower Alabama, plays private events and house concerts and continues to focus on songwriting.

Bob’s musical roots were planted in New Orleans. In high school Bob played in the marching band in Mardi Gras parades, went to college on a music scholarship but changed majors after a year. He played in bands from the 1970’s through 1990’s as a drummer/vocalist before becoming a singer/songwriter and hosting numerous open mic nights. Those bands played often on the bars of the New Orleans lakefront, which unfortunately “Ain’t Dere No More”.In about 2013 he started performing with his acoustic trio The Sidewalls—a group he still performs with.

He has been fortunate to play nationally at festivals such as Pardi Gras, Gulf Coast Days and Petite Pardi-thank you Jerry Diaz! , house concert venues like The Habitat, The Lyons Den, Concerts on Canal and at Pirates and Poets songwriter events. He also has enjoyed playing on floats in Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. In addition, he has played at Caribbean beach bars like The Soggy Dollar, Foxy’s and Le Select. He is also a TRMA Academy member.

Bob continues to play percussion (congas, djembe, cajon, etc.) and drums and is currently working on expanding his abilties on ukulele and mandolin.
As of March 2022, Bob became a full-time resident of Gulf Shores, Alabama, after 40 years in healthcare administration. A new CD is underway, with the first single, Two Sheets to the Wind, produced by Donny Brewer, already released and airing on Trop Rock stations. Four new songs are currently in the works with Nick Biebricher of Sandy Roots Records in Perdido Key, Florida and featuring Gulf Coast musicians. Other songs will follow and this new album will feature a mix of styles and influences from his New Orleans roots to his life at the beach.
Here's to our paths crossing soon! I raise a toast to you!

Bob is a New Orleans boy who has run away to the beach. Growing up in New Orleans as a musician gave him unique experiences but he finds his peace at the beach.
A formally trained drummer and percussionist, he grew up marching in Mardi Gras parades to rocking out on floats with his band. His band "Keystone" was a fixture in Pontchartrain's west end bars of the 80's and 90's. Sadly, hurricane Katrina wiped out that area forever - taking part of New Orleans local culture with it. Check out his new song, "Lost bars of Pontchartrain" for a glimpse into that moment in time.
Over the years he has reinvented himself several times. He is a guitarist, singer/songwriter with a love for beach music and margaritas. Trop Rock is the genre that encompasses any music you might listen to on the beach with an umbrella drink. Bob has two cd's, a single and is a member of the Trop Rock Music Association.
He now lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama with his wife and dogs, Guinness and Murphy. His song, "Living in the Real L.A." documents his love for the area.
He is living the dream of playing beach bars, house concerts and Trop Rock themed festivals. Check out his music below and wherever you listen to music. You can book him by emailing bob@bobdurand.com.