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Known as “the crown prince of zydeco,” C.J. Chenier has become one of Louisiana’s greatest musical exports. The singer and accordionist is the son of Clifton Chenier, the undisputed King of Zydeco, and for the last thirty years has upheld the great Chenier family legacy with verve and style.
Despite having a father who is almost solely responsible for popularizing an entire music genre, C.J. didn’t enter the zydeco world until his early 20’s. Throughout college, he had studied keyboard and saxophone, playing mostly jazz and R&B. When a spot opened up in his dad’s band, the acclaimed Louisiana Red Hot Band, C.J. joined up with his father to learn the zydeco tradition. In 1987, after a decade performing together, Clifton passed away, leaving the band to C.J. The following year, he made his recording debut on Arhoolie Records.
Without missing a beat, Chenier took the Red Hot Louisiana Band all over the world, touring the festival circuit and recording the music his father helped create. Over the past decades, Chenier recorded acclaimed albums for some of the most respected labels in the country, including Slash, Alligator and World Village. He was featured prominently on Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints record (and subsequent tour) as well as having a guest appearance on the Gin Blossoms’ New Miserable Experience. Over the last few decades, C.J. (along with his friend Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr.) has been one of the world’s biggest ambassadors of Louisiana music and culture. The Chenier musical legacy is in good hands.
C.J. Chenier with The Buckwheat Zydeco Band at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Friday, August 19. Showtime is 8 PM. Tickets are $39, $35, $29.
