Clifton Chenier
Clifton Chenier | |
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Chenier Brothers performing at Jay's Lounge and Cockpit, Cankton, Louisiana, Mardi Gras, 1975 Clifton Chenier on accordion, brother Cleveland on washboard and John Hart on tenor saxophone. | |
| Background information | |
| Born | June 25, 1925 Opelousas, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Died | December 12, 1987 (aged 62) Lafayette, Louisiana |
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| Years active | 1954–1987 |
| Labels | Elko, Specialty, Arhoolie, Crazy Cajun, Chess, Alligator |
| Formerly of | Zydeco Ramblers |
Clifton Chenier (June 25, 1925 – December 12, 1987), was an American musician known as a pioneer of zydeco, a style of music that arose from Creole music, with R&B, blues, and Cajun influences. He sang and played the accordion. Chenier won a Grammy Award in 1983.
Chenier was known as the King of Zydeco, and also billed as the King of the South.