There may be precisely one accordion participant on this planet whose legacy might encourage a gaggle of followers like The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, and extra for a a centesimal birthday all-star tribute: The King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier. Bursting onto the scene in 1955 along with his first hit, “Eh, ‘tite Fille,” Chenier blended blues and R&B, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with Louisiana Creole music setting dancefloors and AM receivers alight from the deep South, throughout the pond, and past till his passing in 1987. This June, Louisiana-based Valcour Information will assist have fun the genre-pioneering Louisiana musician’s centennial with the discharge of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a 14-track romp via Chenier’s legendary catalog with performances from the aforementioned icons and lots of extra. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning producer and member of Los Lobos, Steve Berlin, and Joel Savoy, Valcour Information Founder and member of the “First Household of Cajun Music,” A Tribute to the King is due out on June twenty seventh.
Right now, Valcour launched the first single from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, “Launch Me,” that includes Americana legend Lucinda Williams, Corridor of Fame Swamp Pop musician Tommy McClain, and the “Zydeco Boss” himself, Keith Frank, on accordion. Showcasing Chenier’s love for soulful rhythm and blues, “Launch Me” was initially recorded in his zydeco type in 1969, slowing the tempo down simply sufficient for dance companions to get in shut with one another. This model is a sultry duet between Williams and McClain, sticking intently to Chenier’s authentic really feel—which was tailored from Eddie Miller and His Oklahomans’ 1950 model, “Launch Me (And Let Me Love Once more).”
In an effort to preserve this monitor leaning extra into Chenier territory and fewer just like the nation authentic, “Launch Me” single producer C.C. Adcock stored issues as Louisiana because it will get. “We began by utilizing a crack Lafayette all-star band and a slinky Swamp Pop ‘triplet-feel’ sound that positioned it undoubtedly sounding prefer it was coming from deep inside a classic South Louisiana dancehall,” says Adcock. “The dovetailing of Keith Frank’s Clifton impressed accordion, Steve Riley’s bluesy fiddle and Dickie Landry’s fragile however soulful saxophone solo set the bayou scene. I swear I might see Lu and Tommy couple-skating hand in hand at an Opelousas, LA curler rink, circa 1966… Possibly Clifton’s even there within the nook, working the snack bar!” The ensuing recording units an unmistakable tone for the remainder of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco: It is a real-deal tribute for a real-deal legend.
Followers can stream or buy “Launch Me” as we speak at this hyperlink and pre-order A Tribute to the King of Zydeco forward of its June twenty seventh launch proper right here.
Along with the announcement of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, Valcour Information not too long ago joined the Chenier household property and the College of Louisiana Lafayette to kind the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship. In celebration of the a centesimal anniversary of the King of Zydeco in 2025, the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship honors Clifton Chenier’s legacy on the Faculty of the Arts on the College of Louisiana at Lafayette. The scholarship fund will supply annual monetary help to college students finding out Conventional Music, particularly Zydeco accordion, at UL Lafayette. All proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will go immediately towards funding this new scholarship. To study extra concerning the scholarship or to donate, please go to this hyperlink.
On Friday, Might 2, a really particular Clifton Chenier Centennial present will likely be held on the Fais Do-Do stage on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Competition. That includes the “Dockside Allstars,” the home band from A Tribute to the King—together with Roddie Romero, Eric Adcock, Derek Huston, Lee Allen Zeno, Jermaine Prejean, and Sherelle Chenier Mouton—in addition to particular visitors C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, and Curley Taylor, the 5:50 pm set may additionally embrace a shock visitor efficiency or two.
Tribute to the King Tracklist:
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” – The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
“Straightforward Straightforward Child” – Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
“Hey ‘Tite Fille” – Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
“Launch Me” – Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank
“Simply Like A Lady” – Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
“I’m On The Surprise” – Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
“My Soul” – Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley
“Scorching Rod” – David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier
“Tout Le Temps En Temps” – Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle
“Ay Ai Ai” – Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
“I Might Be Mistaken” – Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
“I’m Coming House” – CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth
“You Used To Name Me” – John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
“Why Did You Go Final Evening” – Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero
Album produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy with Govt Producer John Leopold. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Launch Me” produced by C.C. Adcock.
About Valcour Information
Louisiane. Musique. Tradition. Based in 2006, Valcour Information is an unbiased Louisiana music label based mostly in Eunice. We accomplice with musicians, artists, and artisans to deliver you music and cultural content material you gained’t discover wherever else. Showcasing on the world stage the extraordinary abilities born from the wealthy and various cultures of Louisiana.
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is funded via the beneficiant assist of Lafayette Journey, Rex Basis, Gia Maione Prima Basis, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Basis, Jeffrey & Lester Value, Steve Zieff & Elaine Leitner, Ray Flores/Pink Trailer Productions, Love of Folks, and the Louisiana Division of Financial Improvement.
