In a vibrant celebration of musical heritage, a new album titled “A Tribute to the King” has been released to honor the legendary Clifton Chenier, the pioneering accordionist known as the King of Zydeco. This commemorative project, spearheaded by Valcour Records’ Joel Savoy and Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin, marks what would have been Chenier’s 100th birthday. Chenier, who passed away in 1987 from diabetes-related kidney disease, profoundly influenced the genre, much like Muddy Waters did for electric blues.
Savoy, who played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition, gathered an ensemble of local musicians to back an impressive lineup of artists paying homage to Chenier’s legacy. The album features renowned musicians such as the Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Taj Mahal, and Jimmie Vaughan, showcasing Chenier’s far-reaching impact on music. These artists, many of whom openly express their admiration for Chenier, bring their unique spin to classic Creole songs, infusing them with fresh energy and reverence for their roots.
The project kicked off with the release of the first track, “Release Me,” a soulful duet featuring Lucinda Williams and Tommy McLain. C.C. Adcock, the producer of the track, describes it as a heartfelt narrative of two old lovers navigating the tides of their relationship. Other standout performances on the album include those by CJ Chenier, Clifton’s son, who expressed his pride in participating alongside such a talented roster to honor his father’s legacy.
Steve Berlin stressed the educational aspect of the album as well, saying it goes beyond entertainment to encapsulate a historical journey. “We’re not just creating a fun record; we’re also teaching the history of this music,” Berlin articulated, emphasizing the cultural significance intertwined with the project. The album emphasizes the broad influence Clifton Chenier had on American music, with artists like Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Charlie Crockett, and the Rolling Stones choosing to participate out of respect for Chenier’s profound influence on their musical journeys.
Proceeds from the album will play a significant role in supporting the next generation of musicians through the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, offered at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, aims to assist students of traditional music, focusing on zydeco accordion, thus continuing Chenier’s legacy by supporting educational pursuits in the field he helped define.
The tracklist showcases eclectic collaborations, including standout pieces such as “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” by The Rolling Stones with Steve Riley, “Easy Easy Baby” by Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr., and “Hey ‘Tite Fille” featuring Taj Mahal and Keith Frank. Closing the album are moving renditions like “I’m Coming Home” by CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth and “Why Did You Go Last Night” featuring Kam Franklin, A.J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero, each contributing to a tapestry of sound that honors the rich zydeco tradition. “A Tribute to the King” is not just a musical offering; it is a testament to Clifton Chenier’s enduring influence in the world of music and culture.