[5][6][7] But his State of Texas death certificate lists his birthplace as New Iberia, his World War II draft card says Abbeville, and his baptismal certificate lists his place of birth as Cow Island, Louisiana, a small community located south of the town of Kaplan.

Choates gained early professional experience playing in the bands of Leo Soileau and Leroy Leblanc, then split off to form his own group, called the Melody Boys, in 1946.

[10] Later, it was recorded by country singer Moon Mullican and became a major hit, but Choates had waived his rights to the song and was never compensated for its success.

The Melody Boys disbanded over Choates' chronic problems with alcoholism and his frequent missed concert dates, and shortly after the dissolution he played with Jesse James & His Gang on KTBC radio.

[3] In 2014, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Harry Choates' version of "Jole Blon" number 99 in its list of the 100 greatest country songs.