Who is the best known zydeco performer?
Clifton Chenier
Starting in the 1950s, Clifton Chenier pioneered the modern sound of zydeco and eventually became one of the genre’s best-known performers.
Who sings zydeco song?
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #3: (As character) Oh, Mr.
What makes zydeco unique?
A unique rhythm instrument—the “frottoir,” or rubboard—is the signature instrument of zydeco, and no band is deemed complete without one. The modern instrument, made out of corrugated sheet metal, is worn over the shoulders like a breastplate and played with a pair of spoons or old-style bottle openers.
What is a zydeco band?
: popular music of southern Louisiana that combines tunes of French origin with elements of Caribbean music and the blues and that features guitar, washboard, and accordion.
Where is zydeco popular?
Louisiana
zydeco, Form of dance music from southwestern Louisiana, U.S., with roots in French, African American, and Afro-Caribbean styles. Similar to the music of the Cajuns (displaced French Canadians who settled in Louisiana), zydeco was created by the Creoles (those of African heritage in Louisianan French culture).
Which artist received the first Grammy Award for zydeco?
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 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.
Is zydeco black?
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 most popular?
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.
What does Les haricots sont pas Salés mean?
Origin of the Term Zydeco Some music historians believe it comes from the French phrase “les haricots sont pas salés,” which translates to “the snap beans ain’t salty.” Functionally, this serves as a figure of speech meaning, “times are tough.” When spoken quickly, the French phrase sounds a bit like “zydeco.”
Who is Clifton Chenier through marriage?
Of all the blues artists who recorded as prolifically as Chenier did, very few managed to retain such a high level of artistic quality throughout – one who comes to mind was his cousin by marriage, Lightnin’ Hopkins (who had recommended Clifton to Arhoolie).
Is Clifton Chenier still alive?
Deceased (1925–1987)
Clifton Chenier/Living or Deceased