Better Than Ezra is an American alternative rock trio based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and signed to The End Records. Better Than Ezra was formed in 1988 by its four original members – vocalist and guitarist, Kevin Griffin; lead guitarist, Joel Rundell; bassist, Tom Drummond; and drummer, Cary Bonnecaze. All four members were attending Louisiana State University at the time of Better Than Ezra’s formation.
Better Than Ezra’s first public performance was at Murphy’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also in 1988. Though many theories abound, the band refuses to disclose the origin of its name. One theory is that it comes from a line in Ernest Hemingway’s memoir A Moveable Feast, in which Hemingway describes a particularly annoying sound as “…no worse than other noises, certainly better than Ezra learning to play the bassoon.” However, the first track of their 1990 release Surprise is entitled Ezra Pound. Fans of the group often refer to themselves as Ezralites.
Better Than Ezra is available for corporate events, private parties, milestone celebrations (wedding, anniversary, birthday, bar/bat mitzvah), fundraisers, festivals, and more.