He began singing and playing in Church, K of C halls and local bars when he was very young. Walter Jr. has since performed at clubs and events across the Gulf Coast. Related to both zydeco demigod, Clifton Chenier, and bluesman Morris 'Big' Chenier, his father Arthur 'Bud' Chenier was his main inspiration. Bud, a cajun accordionist, accompanied by his first cousin and fiddler John Stevens, the father of Duke Stevens, was widly popular, as he often would entertain at weekend house parties. Winners of the Clifton Chenier Music Award as Best Newcomer of the Year, the group is creating quite a stir in the zydeco kingdom.
Younger audiences praise the new release, while traditionalist continue to dance and ponder.
The NewBreeds can be credited with bringing new audiences to zydeco and at the same time keeping the faithful satisfied with a groove that is right on time. LA native and now Houston resident, is one of the top entertainers in Zydeco music. Leading his popular Zydeco Outlaws band, Rideau keeps his French heritage alive as he sings in Creole many of his tunes.