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.
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.
