Life and Legacy of the King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier Celebrated!

Life and Legacy of the King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier Celebrated!

The Zydeco Nation Honors Clifton Chenier at the 
Historic Clifton Chenier Club in Loreauville, Louisiana!

July 7, 2010

by Lola Lovewww.ZydecoOnline.com

Clifton Chenier, The King of Zydeco Music
The 1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration was held on June 26, 2010, which was declared
"Clifton Chenier's Day" by the City of Loreauville, Louisiana.

The day began at 9:30am with an early morning round table discussion of the memoirs of Clifton Chenier, hosted by John “JB” Broussard (of KRVS Radio program “Zydeco Est Pas Sale”). During the discussion there was reminiscing about Clifton Chenier’s performances at local clubs such as The Red Rooster, The Blue Angel and Tee Na Na. The panel spoke about how difficult it was to be a musician during a time when discrimination was at its peak. There was also mention of Clifton Chenier taking up and supporting his band members by making sure that they were treated fairly. For example, he made sure that his band members had equal access to restrooms and other necessities while performing at venues, since during that time; people of color were not allowed to be in the same venues as white Americans; and especially not use the restrooms.

Throughout the day, there were several bands that attended the celebration and contributed their talent to honor The King of Zydeco. Some of the bands that performed at this event where: Corey Ledet, JoJo Reed, Leroy Thomas, Leo “The Bull” Thomas, Roddie Romero, Gerard Delafose, Cedryl Ballou, Horace Trahan and The Legendary Leon Sam (of Sam Brothers 5).

Zydeco Music celebrities present included: Robert St. Julian (Clifton Chenier’s drummer), Ms. Mary Thomas, sister of the late Clifton Chenier (also known as “The Texas Queen of Zydeco”, and host of the radio program “Zydeco Pas Salé” of KPFT radio-Houston), along with her long time co-host John “JB” Adams. Many other local celebrities were present, including Corey Arceneaux (“DJ Hot” of Z105.9, Lafayette, LA).

During the evening the Mayor of Loreauville proclaimed June 26, 2010 as “Clifton Chenier Day”, and presented a large plaque proclamation to Mike Vital, owner of the Clifton Chenier Club.

Clifton Chenier popularized Zydeco Music and made it recognizable worldwide; he opened doors for many musicians. If you did not get to attend the 1st Annual Clifton Chenier celebration in Loreauville, Louisiana; below are video clips of some of the performances, and interviews that we were able to capture for you.

This event was coordinated in part by Corey Ledet, John “JB” Broussard, Melvin “MC” Caesar, Mike Vital, JB Adams and several volunteers. Our hats off to all the event supporters and volunteers for putting together such a wonderful and historic event.

Members of the round table panel included Dudley Vital (Clifton Chenier’s Brother in-law and former owner of The Clifton Chenier Club), Gene Morris (1st cousin to Clifton Chenier, former member of KJCB Radio, and singer/performer, and bassist for Clifton Chenier), John Landry, Goldman Thibodeaux (Creole and La La Musician) and Aunt Margaret “La Mi” (John Broussard’s aunt and zydeco music enthusiast)

Video Clips from the 

1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration!

1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration
Lola Love Interview with Zydeco Musician Corey Ledet.

The Legendary Leon Sam (of Sam Brothers 5) performing 
"Tu Le Ton Son Ton" 
LIVE at 1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration in Loreauville, Louisiana. Saturday, June 26, 2010

JoJo Reed (of JoJo Reed and The Happy Hill Band) performing "Let Me Ride That Donkey" 
LIVE at The 1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration in Loreauville, Louisiana. Saturday, June 26, 2010

Corey Ledet performing "Hey Pretty Lady" 
LIVE at The 1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration in Loreauville, Louisiana. Saturday, June 26, 2010

Leroy Thomas (of Leroy Thomas and The Zydeco Roadrunners) performing "I'm A Hog For You" 
LIVE at 1st Annual Clifton Chenier Celebration in Loreauville, Louisiana. Saturday, June 26, 2010

5:59 PM