David “Rockin’ Dopsie Jr.” Rubin is the son of Zydeco pioneer Alton “Rockin’ Dopsie” Rubin (1932–1993), who helped define the genre and famously played accordion alongside Paul Simon on Graceland (1986). When his father died unexpectedly in 1993, the family vowed to keep the music alive. David — known in the band as the showman, the rubboard player, the dancer — assumed leadership of the Twisters, alongside brothers Anthony (accordion) and Alton Jr., a.k.a. Tiger (drums).
The rubboard, or frottoir — a corrugated steel vest played with metal keys — is Dopsie Jr.’s signature instrument and his most visible tool of performance. His stage persona draws equally from Zydeco tradition and from the entertainment royalty he grew up watching: James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr., Michael Jackson. His splits and choreography are as much a part of the show as the music.
