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. His first hit was soon followed by "Ay 'Tite Fille (Hey, Little Girl)" (cover of Professor Longhair), which received some mainstream success. With the Zydeco Ramblers, Chenier toured extensively and soon signed to Chicago's Chess Records, followed by Arhoolie. His popularity peaked in the 1980s, when he won a Grammy Award, the first Creole to do so.

Chenier is also credited with redesigning the wood and crimped tin washboard into an instrument that would easily hang from the shoulders. Cleveland Chenier, Clifton's older brother would find equal popularity for his ability to manipulate the distinctive sound of the washboard by rubbing several bottle openers (held in each hand)along its ridges.

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. Fortunately his son Clayton, CJ Chenier is carrying on in the zydeco tradition with a touring band and quality album releases.

1925 births | 1987 deaths | African Americans | American musicians | National Heritage Fellowship winners | People from Louisiana | Zydeco musicians | African American musicians

Clifton Chenier | Clifton Chenier