Tyrone grew up where locals call Front O'Town, around St. Thomas by the river, doing talent shows from age 8. He got his first band around 1973 and never looked back, modeling himself on James Brown, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Bobby Womack — and on the showmanship of Jackie Wilson, who taught him never to half-step on stage.
His band the Mindbenders — named by guitarist Everett Eglin — carries a classic R&B and bayou-funk book. Bassist Richard “Tricky Dick” Dixon has played behind Eddie Bo and toured with Lee Dorsey; the band's album Mindbender (2008) was recorded at Piety Street Recording and produced by Eglin.
Brother Tyrone & the Mindbenders have played the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (2018, 2024), the French Quarter Festival and the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, and performed at WWOZ in support of community radio.
