BY JOANNA BROWN | Staff writer Jun 11, 2025 Updated Jun 11, 2025 | For The Advocate
An iconic Louisiana zydeco musician is being honored by the Smithsonian with a new vinyl release — and work by celebrated Lafayette artist Francis Pavy is featured on the album cover.
Clifton Chenier, known as the “King of Zydeco,” was born 100 years ago this month, on June 25, 1925. Before the artist’s death in 1987 he broke numerous barriers in Louisiana roots music, modernizing the genre from its Creole roots with elements of R&B, funk and rock n’ roll.
Chenier, who was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011, is a noted inspiration for artists such as Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones — and now, the Rolling Stones have contributed to an album honoring Chenier on the 100th anniversary of his birth.
The Chenier tribute album, released by Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, will be out June 27. The album will feature the Rolling Stones performing Chenier’s “Zydeco Sont Pas Sale,” with Louisiana artist Steve Riley, along with contributions from such musicians as Lucinda Williams, Charley Crockett and Taj Mahal.
As part of the anniversary release, the Smithsonian is also releasing a special 7-inch vinyl of the Rolling Stones and Steve Riley song, which will have the original Clifton Chenier version on the B-side. That record will be out on June 25, Chenier’s birthday.
The vinyl release will feature something even more special for local fans — Chenier-inspired art by Lafayette artist Francis Pavy.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is releasing a 7-inch vinyl of the Rolling Stones and Steve Riley performing Clifton Chenier’s “Zydeco Sont Pas Sale,” as part of a 100th anniversary tribute to the King of Zydeco. The album cover features work by Lafayette artist Francis Pavy, and the release date is June 25
Pavy, known for his vibrant, evocative and thoughtful abstractions of Cajun and Creole culture, contributed his painting “Dancers” as cover art for the vinyl record featuring the Rolling Stones and Chenier.
“This is one of those full circle moments,” said Pavy in a June 10 Facebook post. He said that music by the Rolling Stones “became part of my creative bloodstream” at a young age, when he was also experiencing the King of Zydeco perform live at events like Lafayette Mardi Gras.
“Clifton brought French Creole soul to the stage with his red-hot accordion, and when he played, you had to dance. You could feel it in your bones. I went to see him every chance I got, and dance we did,” wrote Pavy.
“I find myself lucky enough to be part of this historic release that bridges musical giants: the raw power of the Stones and the unstoppable groove of Clifton Chenier.”