Zydeco's Crown Prince Brings the Heat in Park Forest
C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13, 2015!
February 24, 2015
By Jessi Virtusio
Freelance writer/Daily Southtown
If one is talking musical legacies, so much can be said about the Chenier family.
C.J. Chenier's father, the late Clifton Chenier, was dubbed the King of Zydeco and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Grammys.
"When it came to music, he was my sole influence on this type of music," said C.J. Chenier, who's scheduled to return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13.
"Every kid wants to be like his daddy. As long as I can remember, I wanted to play music. I was a saxophone player and played in funk bands. When it comes to zydeco, he was my total influence. I learned everything from him."
When he was in his 20s Chenier joined his father's Red Hot Louisiana Band and a musical transformation happened.
"I started picking up the accordion," Chenier said. "At first it was a little rough, discouraging. When you start getting used to it, it's an instrument that can do so many things. It's just exciting.
After his father's death in 1987, Chenier carried on his father's legacy by fronting the Red Hot Louisiana Band and making his mark on zydeco.
"My daddy's already been Clifton Chenier, and he never told me to imitate him," said Chenier, who was dubbed "the crown prince of zydeco" by The Boston Globe.
"He always told me to be the best I could be at my own style. I learn the basic song and I put my feel to it."
Now 57 years old, Chenier said he never imagined a lifetime of making music would come from picking up the saxophone in fourth grade while growing up in the Port Arthur, Texas, housing projects.
"Music was really not prominent at that time, so I never thought I would be where I am now because it just didn't happen. It was a blessing when my daddy called me to come out and play with him," said Chenier, who now lives in Houston.
"Just getting on stage with my daddy, it was the highlight of my life. Had he still been here right now, I'd be right here with him."
A self-described road dog, Chenier plays dates across the United States. When he's in the Chicago area, it's not only music but barbecue on his mind.
"Every time we go to Chicago, I don't care where (we're playing), I make a stop on Madison Street for the barbecue sauce with the hot sauce," Chenier said.
Not only hot but happy, zydeco is filled with energy.
"People dance and have a good time," he said. "They should come and see me and the Red Hot Louisiana Band because we're going to bring the heat and make everyone see happiness.
"Good, bad, whatever, come on over
C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13, 2015!
February 24, 2015
By Jessi Virtusio
Freelance writer/Daily Southtown
 |
| C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13, 2015. www.OfficialCJChenier.com |
C.J. Chenier's father, the late Clifton Chenier, was dubbed the King of Zydeco and awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Grammys.
"When it came to music, he was my sole influence on this type of music," said C.J. Chenier, who's scheduled to return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13.
"Every kid wants to be like his daddy. As long as I can remember, I wanted to play music. I was a saxophone player and played in funk bands. When it comes to zydeco, he was my total influence. I learned everything from him."
When he was in his 20s Chenier joined his father's Red Hot Louisiana Band and a musical transformation happened.
"I started picking up the accordion," Chenier said. "At first it was a little rough, discouraging. When you start getting used to it, it's an instrument that can do so many things. It's just exciting.
 |
| C.J. Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band return to Freedom Hall in Park Forest on March 13, 2015. Original Credit: Freedom Hall (Freedom Hall, HANDOUT) |
"My daddy's already been Clifton Chenier, and he never told me to imitate him," said Chenier, who was dubbed "the crown prince of zydeco" by The Boston Globe.
"He always told me to be the best I could be at my own style. I learn the basic song and I put my feel to it."
Now 57 years old, Chenier said he never imagined a lifetime of making music would come from picking up the saxophone in fourth grade while growing up in the Port Arthur, Texas, housing projects.
"Music was really not prominent at that time, so I never thought I would be where I am now because it just didn't happen. It was a blessing when my daddy called me to come out and play with him," said Chenier, who now lives in Houston.
"Just getting on stage with my daddy, it was the highlight of my life. Had he still been here right now, I'd be right here with him."
A self-described road dog, Chenier plays dates across the United States. When he's in the Chicago area, it's not only music but barbecue on his mind.
"Every time we go to Chicago, I don't care where (we're playing), I make a stop on Madison Street for the barbecue sauce with the hot sauce," Chenier said.
Not only hot but happy, zydeco is filled with energy.
"People dance and have a good time," he said. "They should come and see me and the Red Hot Louisiana Band because we're going to bring the heat and make everyone see happiness.
"Good, bad, whatever, come on over
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