Marc Broussard Sets “Stagger Lee” Ablaze on New Single from S.O.S. V: Songs of the ’50s

Marc Broussard Sets “Stagger Lee” Ablaze on New Single from S.O.S. V: Songs of the ’50s
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Marc Broussard ignites Lloyd Price’s rock-and-roll classic “Stagger Lee” with a raw, impassioned performance that taps fully into his signature, rough-edged blue-eyed soul. The track is the latest single from his forthcoming studio album S.O.S. V: Songs of the ’50s, and finds Broussard delivering a gritty, high-octane vocal charged with urgency and bite. Driven by a powerful horn-laden arrangement locked tightly with the rhythm section, “Stagger Lee” places Broussard squarely in the role of storyteller, pulling listeners directly into the barroom drama at the heart of the song.

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“‘Stagger Lee’ is a relentless, infectious song and one of the more difficult ones to sing, with Lloyd Price’s powerful vocals that just keep coming,” says Broussard. “Interestingly, it’s an upbeat, happy song that tells a sad story — a tale about ‘Stagger Lee’ Shelton settling a gambling dispute at gunpoint.”

“Stagger Lee” appears on S.O.S. V: Songs of the ’50s, an eleven-track collection of intoxicating reinterpretations of soul, blues, rock, and pop classics from the 1950s, along with two early-’60s gems and one Broussard original. The album includes standout selections such as Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah, I Love Her So,” Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover,” and Nat King Cole’s “Smile.” Together, the tracks form a compelling showcase for Broussard’s dynamic vocal range, musical craftsmanship, and deep reverence for America’s enduring songbook.

Broussard’s return to the music of the 1950s was inspired by the overwhelming fan response to “Cry to Me” from S.O.S. 2: Soul on a Mission. “The captivating music of the 1950s has a timeless charm that resonates with my fans and music lovers everywhere,” he shares. “We’re excited to celebrate this music and the joy it brings.”

Continuing the mission behind his long-running S.O.S. (Save Our Soul) series, a portion of the proceeds from S.O.S. V will benefit Love of People, a nonprofit organization based in Broussard’s hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. “Love of People is a charity that my wife, Sonya, and I have personally supported and volunteered for over the years,” Broussard explains. “I’ve witnessed their impactful work firsthand and am thrilled to formalize a partnership with them. Our S.O.S. projects are driven by a heartfelt mission: to maximize the funds we raise for our partner organizations.”

The S.O.S. series reflects Broussard’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy, with each release supporting a different cause. “I started doing cover records after I was released from my first contract with a major label,” he says. “I went independent and created albums to raise funds for charity. The first project supported a shelter for homeless women and children, followed by an album benefiting a children’s hospital in Baton Rouge.”
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Broussard’s most recent installment, S.O.S. 4: Blues for Your Soul (2023), featured a collaboration with blues icon Joe Bonamassa and supported both the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation and Guitars Over Guns. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, further cementing Broussard’s reputation as both a powerful vocalist and a passionate advocate for music-driven philanthropy.