Born and raised in the historic Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Roberts took an interest in calypso rhythms from a young age, being introduced to the music by attending clubs frequented by the many sailors and seamen who sailed back and forth between New Orleans and the Caribbean.

In 1972, Roberts was introduced to New Orleans pianist Henry Roland Byrd, better known to the public as Professor Longhair.

The London Concert (recorded 1978, released 1994) is a duo performance by Professor Longhair and Roberts.

Roberts toured with Willie Tee and the Wild Magnolias off and on from 1980 until 1986, when he took a hiatus from the music industry, occasionally coming out of his semi-retirement to tour and record - such as on Dr. John’s albums Goin' Back to New Orleans (1992) and Dis, Dat, or D’udda (2004).

One evening in 2007, Roberts was invited by the young funk band Groovesect to join them on stage at New Orleans' Maple Leaf Bar, starting a relationship that would result in Roberts joining the band and recording on Groovesect's debut album, On The Brim.