Zydeco

Zydeco

Zydeco is a special, usually fast tempo, blend that was raised in southwest Louisiana that blends blues and rhythms native to the indigenous Louisiana Creoles and native people. "It was originally created at house dances, where family and friends gathered for socializing." (Ancelet, 1991)



Zydeco's rural beginnings and the prevailing economic conditions at its inception are reflected in the song titles, lyrics, and bluesy vocals. It was also often just called French music or le musique Creole known as "la-la." Amede Ardoin made the first recordings of Creole music in 1928. This Creole music served as a foundation for what later became known as zydeco. Sometimes the music was performed in the Catholic Church community centers, as Creoles were mostly Catholic. Later it moved to rural dance halls and nightclubs.


In the mid-1980s, Rockin' Sidney brought international attention to zydeco music with his hit record "My Toot Toot". Clifton Chenier, Rockin' Sidney and Queen Ida all garnered Grammy awards during this pivotal period, opening the door to emerging artists who would continue the traditions. Ida is the only living Grammy award winner in the genre.


Zydeco is often influenced through Cajun music and African-American traditions that include R&B, jazz, blues and gospel. Zydeco was created through the French Creole speakers. Zydeco is heavily dominated by the piano accordion and form of washboard known as a “rub-board, scrub-board, wash-board, or frottoir." (Ancelet, 1991) The music pioneer, known as the King of Zydeco, was Clifton Chenier and "made zydeco popular on regional radio stations with his bluesy style and keyboard accordion." (Ancelet, 1991) Chenier accumulated a grammy award in the 1980s for his style of music. This style of music often includes an old world accordion, guitar, bass, drums, Cajun fiddle and occasionally trumpets, saxophones, keyboards, spoon, and triangle. The music integrates waltz, shuffles, two-steps, blues, rock and roll and other music forms.



King of Zydeco Live 



By: Cassie Catton

References:

Ancelet, B. J. (1991, July). Cajun and Zydeco Music Traditions. Retrieved January 2, 2020, from http://www.louisianafolklife.org/LT/Articles_Essays/cajunzydeco.html.