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What is Louisiana zydeco music?
Early zydeco was a blend of Louisiana French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats. It sat at the crossroads of Creole, Cajun, gospel and the blues, yet has since evolved to include influences from several other genres. Instrumentation almost always includes an accordion and a frottoir, a washboard.
Are Cajun and zydeco music the same?
Cajun music and zydeco are closely related parallel music forms. 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.
Who was the first Zydeco singer?
Clifton Chenier
Zydeco music pioneer Clifton Chenier, “The King of Zydeco”, made zydeco popular on regional radio stations with his bluesy style and keyboard accordion. In the mid-1950s, Chenier’s popularity brought zydeco to the fringes of the American mainstream.
Are Cajuns dark skinned?
For Cajuns were—and are—a subset of Louisiana Creoles. Today, common understanding holds that Cajuns are white and Creoles are Black or mixed race; Creoles are from New Orleans, while Cajuns populate the rural parts of South Louisiana.
What is zydeco music?
Early zydeco was a blend of Louisiana French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats. It sat at the crossroads of Creole, Cajun, gospel and the blues, yet has since evolved to include influences from several other genres.
Where can I find zydeco music in Louisiana?
Weekend nights, you’ll find live zydeco in just about every town in southwest Louisiana as well as the big cities of Baton Rouge, Shreveport and New Orleans. It’s also a staple at local festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the annual Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival in Opelousas.
Who is the king of zydeco?
This compilation of classic zydeco music, part of Arhoolie Record’s America’s Masters series, features three selections by Clifton Chenier (“The King of Zydeco”) and two by his son C.J. Chenier.