Music, Conversation Series Salutes The King of Zydeco

Music, Conversation Series Salutes The King of Zydeco

C.J. Chenier Shares Music and Stories Of His Father, Clifton Chenier

May 25, 2016

by Herman Fuselier
The Advertiser

C. J. Chenier pays tribute to his legendary father, Clifton Chenier on Thursday, June 16, 2016 for Acadiana Roots Series that will be held at the Daily Advertiser's Community Room in Lafayette, Louisiana.  

Photo courtesy of C.J. Chenier and the Zydeco Historical & Preservation Society. 

C. J. Chenier pays tribute to his legendary father June 16 at Acadiana Roots.
(Photo: Hall Puckett)


A Tribute to Clifton Chenier highlights the next session of Acadiana Roots at 7 p.m. June 16 at the Daily Advertiser’s Community Room.

C.J. Chenier will share music and stories of his father, along with Todd Mouton, author of the book, “Way Down In Louisiana: Clifton Chenier, Cajun, Zydeco and Swamp Pop Music.”

 Tickets, which are $10, include light snacks, beverages and an evening of music and conversation about Chenier, who is still hailed as the King of Zydeco.

Chenier, who was born June 25, 1925, near Opelousas, became a Grammy winner for his 1982 album, “I’m Here,” Chenier received the prestigious Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He was part of a class of inductees that also included the Beatles, Isley Brothers, Kris Kristofferson, Kraftwerk and Latin singer and pianist Armando Manzanero.

C. J. Chenier pays tribute to his legendary father, Clifton Chenier on Thursday, June 16, 2016 for Acadiana Roots Series that will be held at the Daily Advertiser's Community Room in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Photo Credit: Hall Puckett 

Chenier died Dec. 12, 1987, but continues to make headlines. His "Bogalusa Boogie" album from 1976 was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010. The same album was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry earlier this year.

C.J. Chenier, Clifton's son, has enjoyed a worldwide career since taking over his father's band in 1987. He's enjoyed appearance on CNN, VH1, "Entertainment Weekly," "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and albums by Paul Simon ("Rhythm of the Saints") and the Gin Blossoms ("New Miserable Experience").

Chenier's latest CD, "Can't Sit Down," was nominated for a Grammy in 2011, the first year of the Best Regional Roots Album category.

Mouton, a longtime cultural activist and promoter based in Lafayette, wrote the first musical biography on Chenier. A review in No Depression magazine said the book's pictures "will keep you enthralled for hours. But the stories will keep you coming back again and again ..."

Want to go?

Acadiana Roots presents a Tribute to Clifton Chenier

7 p.m. June 16

Daily Advertiser Community Room, 1100 Bertrand Dr., Lafayette, LA

Tickets: $10

Information: tickets.theadvertiser.com

11:30 PM