Clifton Chenier

Musician, born in Opelousas, Louisiana, USA. He was an accordianist and singer who pioneered zydeco, a fusion of blues and the French Cajun music of Louisiana. He led his own band from the 1950s, playing locally until he gained wide recognition through a series of European tours beginning in the early 1970s.

Clifton Chenier (June 26, 1925 - December 12, 1987) a native of Opelousas, Louisiana was an eminent performer of zydeco music, a blend of Cajun and Creole music with R&B, jazz, and blues influences.

Chenier's career began in 1954, when he signed with Elko Records and released "Clifton's Blues", a regional hit. With the Zydeco Ramblers, Chenier toured extensively and soon signed to Chicago's Chess Records, followed by Arhoolie.

Chenier is also credited with redesigning the wood and crimped tin washboard into the frottoir, an instrument that would easily hang from the shoulders.

Clifton Chenier traveled throughout the world extensively with his RED HOT LOUISIANA ZYDECO BAND.

Chenier died of kidney disease in 1987 and was buried in All Souls Cemetery in Loreauville, Iberia Parish.