Chank - ProfilesArchive

About Me

My name is John Jeansonne. My nickname is "Chank". I play the fiddle for country music group, Rascal Flatts. I'm also the 1985-88, 1995 Louisiana fiddling champion. I love life! I love music! Most of all, I love gumbo!
I spent many of my childhood days playing my fiddle at the French Quarter in New Orleans. I wasn't hired to play there. Instead, I was a street musician. I'd stand behind my fiddle case and play in hopes that someone would throw money into it. And I actually did quite well! Usually, I would play in front of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. My mom and dad would take me there and sit nearby while I played. It was just something I liked to do to make some money to buy fiddle strings, rosin, etc. So New Orleans is very special to me. New Orleans is a place where I spent many hours with my fiddle. I credit New Orleans for helping me to learn more about fiddling. It also helped me learn much about life. I love New Orleans!
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It has been quite a while since hurricane Katrina, and people are still without homes:

My Interests

New Orleans Saints! Anything Cajun. Video games!

I'd like to meet:

Chank has 3,438 friends.

Music:

Cajun, Zydeco, Jazz, Technical Metal, Classical, bluegrass
2005 American Music Awards with Rascal Flatts

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Rascal Flatts Columbus Ohio State Fair '07

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Movies:

Star Wars!!!

Books:

A Great and Noble Scheme: The Tragic Story of the Expulsion of the French Acadians from Their American Homeland (Written by John Mack Faragher)
A Dictionary of the Cajun Language (Written by Rev. Jules O. Daigle)

Heroes:

My dad - I lost him on August 10, 2002. He died 20 minutes before I was to perform at a concert with Rascal Flatts in Nebraska. Losing my father to cancer was the most painful experience of my life. Anyway... I played that show with Rascal Flatts on that day. Played it for him. I know that he would've wanted me to play that fiddle rather than sit around and grieve.
My dad was not a musician, but he was so very encouraging. He drove me countless miles around the United States so I could compete in fiddling contests. He was so very proud of my fiddling. This is what inspired me to continue to play and practice. And although he is gone, it is my dad who gives me inspiration to play that fiddle. Each time I play, I play for him as though he is out in the crowd listening.
My dad lived through me so-to-speak. Called me everyday to see where I'd be playing next. If we were on television, well that was just another excuse for him to invite all of his Cajun buddies over for a party. He was very proud.
Although he is gone, he is forever with me. I play the fiddle today because he was so encouraging to me during my childhood. Now when I play the fiddle at a concert, I play aggressively. I play aggressively because I'm giving my all for my dad. It is if I am a child again seeking praise from him.
Thanks, dad, for being the greatest father that anyone could ever ask for. I am a fiddler because of you. Each note I play is for you.

My Blog

Cajun Funeral

Three friends from the local Cajun congregation were asked "When you're in your casket, and friends and congregation members are mourning over you, what would you like them to say?" &n...
Posted by Chank on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:42:00 PST

You Might Be A Cajun If....

1. You start an angel food cake with a roux. 2. You sit down to eat boiled crawfish and your host says "Don't eat the dead ones" and you know what he means. 3. You gave up Tabasco for Lent. 4. You ref...
Posted by Chank on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 05:14:00 PST