Who was considered the king of zydeco?
Clifton Chenier
Clifton Chenier, the Louisiana accordionist and singer whose fans called him ”the king of zydeco,” died Saturday evening at Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette, La. He was 62 years old.
Who is the best known zydeco performer?
Starting in the 1950s, Clifton Chenier pioneered the modern sound of zydeco and eventually became one of the genre’s best-known performers.
Is Clifton Chenier still alive?
Deceased (1925–1987)
Clifton Chenier/Living or Deceased
Where is Clifton Chenier from?
Opelousas, Louisiana, United States
Clifton Chenier/Place of birth
What language is zydeco sung in?
Zydeco music is sung in both English and French, with English being the preferred language for most modern bands. Many zydeco songs are simply reworkings of R&B or blues songs, many are modern versions of very old Cajun songs, and many are originals.
Is zydeco a Creole or Cajun?
black Creoles
Cajun music is the music of the white Cajuns of south Louisiana, while zydeco is the music of the black Creoles of the same region. Both share common origins and influences, and there is much overlap in the repertoire and style of each.
Where is zydeco popular?
Louisiana
While zydeco music can be heard around the world, nowhere is it more popular than Louisiana. Here, people carry on the tradition of the trail ride, riding out to the countryside for music, food and dancing.
Which artist received the first Grammy Award for zydeco?
His French Quarter studio, J&M Recordings, was the site of many touchstone recordings, including those by Little Richard, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Cooke, Dr. John and more. In 2008, Louisiana’s Terrance Simien took home the first-ever GRAMMY® in the short-lived Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album category.
What did Clifton Chenier father do for a living?
Chenier was born to a family of sharecroppers (tenant farmers) in south-central Louisiana and spent much of his youth working in the cotton fields. He received his first accordion as a gift from his father, who was an established accordionist in the local house-party (dance) and Saturday-dinner circuit.
What important role did Clifton Chenier play in Louisiana history?
Clifton Chenier (June 25, 1925 – December 12, 1987), a Louisiana French-speaking native of Leonville, Louisiana, near Opelousas, was an eminent performer and recording artist of zydeco, which arose from Cajun and Creole music, with R&B, jazz, and blues influences. He played the accordion and won a Grammy Award in 1983.
Is zydeco a polka?
Yes, Cajun and Zydeco are the same as Polka. There are no differences between these musical genres. While they may have an adopted culture built around them, the root of the music is the same.
Is zydeco still popular?
Today, zydeco music is still popular. It continues to be shaped by other types of music, such as pop, soul, and reggae. Zydeco is fun to dance to, so it’s commonly played at parties.
What kind of music did Clifton Chenier play?
Clifton Chenier (June 25, 1925 – December 12, 1987), a Louisiana French -speaking native of Leonville, Louisiana, near Opelousas, was an eminent performer and recording artist of zydeco, which arose from Cajun and Creole music, with R&B, jazz, and blues influences. He played the accordion and won a Grammy Award in 1983.
Who was known as the king of zydeco?
He was known as the King of Zydeco, and also billed as the King of the South. Chenier began his recording career in 1954, when he signed with Elko Records and released Cliston’s Blues [sic], a regional success.
Who is Clifton Chenier in trouble no more?
John Mellencamp refers to “Clifton” in his song “Lafayette”, about the Louisiana city where Chenier often performed. The song is on Mellencamp’s 2003 album Trouble No More. Zachary Richard mentioned Chenier in his song “Clif’s Zydeco” (on Richard’s 2012 album Le Fou ).
Who was Clifton Chenier’s brother in red hot Louisiana?
Cleveland Chenier, Clifton’s older brother, also played in the Red Hot Louisiana Band. He found popularity for his ability to manipulate the distinctive sound of the frottoir by rubbing several bottle openers (held in each hand) along its ridges.