69��ý

One hundred years ago, the music world changed forever when Clifton Chenier was born on a farm near Opelousas.

The “King of Zydeco” and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner shared the soul of south Louisiana with the world through his music and legendary live performances.

A new album, “,” from Valcour Records has ahead of its June 27 release and for its , including The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, CJ Chenier and more.

In addition, Valcour Records recently joined the Chenier family estate and the University of Louisiana 69��ý to form the . In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the King of Zydeco, the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship honors Clifton Chenier's legacy at the . The scholarship fund will offer annual financial assistance to students studying , specifically Zydeco accordion, at UL 69��ý. All proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will go directly toward funding this new scholarship. .

“UL 69��ý’s Traditional Music Program is really the only academic program in the world devoted to the instruction and education of traditional music of south Louisiana,” said program director Dr. Gwennie von Einsiedel in a . “Students get to work with Grammy-winning musicians and culture bearers, and they receive hands-on instruction in things like Cajun and Creole accordion, fiddle and vocals.”

The album’s co-producer Joel Savoy, the Grammy-winning founder of Louisiana-based Valcour Records, said the tribute was inspired by Arhoolie Records in the Bay Area of California that helped develop Chenier’s career. Savoy produced the album with John Leopold, Arhoolie’s former director, and Steve Berlin of the rock group Los Lobos. 

“Our vision was to bring together a lot of these Americana artists that Clifton's music touched all over the country,” said Savoy. “We're very excited to release it two days after Clifton's birthday.”

C.C. Adcock produced the singles, “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me." Adcock said in "Zydeco Sont Pas Salés," The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley on accordion blend their styles seamlessly for a tribute that, "sounds easy and playful." Listeners can now stream or purchase “," as well as “” by Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank and “” by Taj Mahal and Keith Frank.

‘’The Stones are truly honored to be on this tribute album amongst a stellar cast of artists and musicians. Clifton Chenier was one of the most influential musicians to come out of Louisiana. He turned so many people onto the wonderful free spirited dance music of Zydeco, including ourselves back in the day. Although the development of any music style can seldom be attributed to one artist, there is not a Zydeco band who has not followed the template Chenier created,” The Rolling Stones stated.

Musician and photographer Richard “Dickie” Landry, a University alum who recently received an honorary doctorate from the , played frequently with Chenier and took the photograph of Chenier that graces the album’s cover. In an interview for the upcoming issue of La Louisiane magazine, Landry said the scholarship fund will help to sustain Chenier’s legacy and the future of south Louisiana’s traditional music.

“It means that the music will continue for generations,” said Landry. “There will be a new generation every year of some young kid who probably never thought of playing Zydeco or Cajun music, deciding on a career in music or recording or writing music.”

An interview with Dickie Landry about his friend Clifton Chenier will appear in the fall issue of La Louisiane magazine and podcast. Follow UL 69��ý and La Louisiane magazine in the coming months for more on Chenier’s legacy and its impact.

Photo credit: Album art courtesy of Valcour Records. Album photo by Richard Landry.

More:

.

.

.

“A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier” Tracklist

1. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés,” The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
2. “Easy Easy Baby,” Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
3. “Hey ’Tite Fille,” Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
4. “Release Me,” Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain and Keith Frank
5. “Just Like A Woman,” Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
6. “I’m On The Wonder,” Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
7. “My Soul,” Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas and Steve Riley
8. “Hot Rod,” David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier
9. “Tout Le Temps En Temps,” Shannon McNally, Keith Frank and Molly Tuttle
10. “Ay Ai Ai,” Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
11. “I May Be Wrong,” Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
12. “I’m Coming Home,” CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth
13. “You Used To Call Me,” John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
14. “Why Did You Go Last Night,” Kam Franklin, A.J. Haynes and Roddie Romero