History Regarding Dauehauer
Errol Dee - The Soul Singer: Errol Dauenhauer was a prominent musician and member of The Esquires (also known as The Squires), a band widely recognized for its influence on the New Orleans and regional Louisiana music scenes from the late 1950s through the 1980s. Over the years, the lineup included musicians such as James Jackel, Buck Baker, Jimmy Chandler, Erroll Theriot, Tony Licata, and Dave Guillot. The Esquires evolved from the Checkmates and initially played the usual places (fraternity, graduation, and private parties, proms, stage shows, military bases, etc). Moving Bozeman's Hammond organ and the size of the band (7-8 members) encouraged the group to work in clubs such as Montgomery's Fiesta A-Go-Go and the notorious Copa Club on the Mobile Highway. The Copa Club was the largest night club in the Montgomery area-perhaps the state (the Squires' final performance there was estimated to be before almost a thousand customers). The Esquires were known for their "big band sound" and high energy performances.
The Esquires (Also Known As The Squires) In The Early 60's With Dauenhauer Being Second To The Left
Promotional/Photos
The Squires Promotional Media (Circa 1965)
The Esquires Logo
Newspaper Coverage Of Performances At The Coliseum Lounge
His Career
Beginnings:
Born in Gretna, Louisiana on April 4th, 1941, Dauenhauer was a graduate of Louisiana State University and served in the Air Force before focusing on his music career. The love of Errol’s life as a child and young adult was music and when he was just nineteen years old, he earned his first recording contract with Valiant Records (later changed to Instant Records). The rights granted to Dauenhauer were to be rendered by him a royalty of a grand total of two cents (according to the contract). From then on, he recorded four singles, released as two 45 RPM records under the title Errol Dee. The four singles included "Let Me Give You My Love", "This Is The End", "I Love You", and "Love Or Money". His sound was deeply rooted in the expressive qualities of soul music, often leaning towards a tenor or high baritone range, common for male soul singers, but with a distinctive, rich tone that defined his artistry. He was known for blending powerful vocals with heartfelt melodies, much like other soulful artists but with his own unique texture.
"Let Me Give You My Love" & "This Is The End"
Click On The Video To Listen
"I Love You" & "Love Or Money"
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End Of Career/Achievements/Later Life
Around the early 1970s, Dauenhauer performed in a band known as "The Group". In 1973, Dauenhauer left his career and love for music for the new love of his life, Judy. Dauenhauer and Judy married March 26, 1973 and enjoyed 47 years of marriage together. Leaving music was perhaps his biggest sacrifice, but it was a something that brought him great joy and happiness throughout the rest of his life.
In the year 2000, he along with other members of the Esquires were inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame for their "great talent, a love for music, a passion for family and friends, and providing us with the best of times". In 2012, at the age of 70, Dauenhauer "wanted to do something to help fulfill my lifelong passion for singing," so he recorded a gospel album dedicated to his "true love" Judy along with the rest of his family. The songs recorded in his album Walking With Jesus...Everyday! began with "Born Again" and ended with "Take Up Your Cross" symbolically representing the Christian walk of faith. Additionally, he enjoyed singing in the church choir, for special events and whenever given the opportunity, he would share his God-given talent to praise the name of Jesus.
Sadly, on October 2, 2023, Dauenhauer passed away at the age of 82 years old to be with his wife who had passed nearly three years earlier.
Errol Dee's Album Walking With Jesus...Everyday! On YouTube
Click On The Video To Listen (Songs Play In Album Order)
Important Images
Errol and Sonny
The Squires
Dauenhauer's Recording Contract With Valiant Records (Circa 1960)
Dauenhauer's Induction Certificate Into The Louisiana Hall Of Fame
Dauenhauer's 2012 Album Cover Back Of Walking With Jesus...Everyday!
Errol Dauenhauer (Far Left), James Jackel,
Buck Baker, Jimmy Chandler,
Erroll Theriot, Tony Licata and
Dave Guillot
