At 27, Rusty Metoyer is experiencing success unknown to many zydeco musicians twice his age. His gigs stretch from the French Quarter Festival to shows in France and Holland.

Tourism officials in his hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana have used his words and image in marketing campaigns. About to release his third CD since graduating from high school, Metoyer has scored hits that celebrate bayou country life (“Louisiana Summertime”) and his time i...