The world of Zydeco music is set to be electrified this June as Valcour Records unveils A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a star-studded album that honors the legendary Clifton Chenier in celebration of his 100th birthday. Slated for release on June 27, 2025, this 14-track collection brings together iconic musicians like The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, Steve Earle, and many more, all paying tribute to the King of Zydeco, whose pioneering blend of Louisiana Creole music, blues, R&B, and Afro-Cuban rhythms changed the soundscape of the South and beyond.
Chenier’s groundbreaking career began in 1955 with the release of his first hit, “Eh, ‘tite Fille.” His distinctive accordion playing and electrifying sound brought Zydeco to new heights, influencing generations of musicians. After passing in 1987, his influence remains as strong as ever. A Tribute to the King of Zydeco serves as a timely homage to a man whose music continues to inspire artists across genres.
Produced by Grammy-winning Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and Joel Savoy, founder of Valcour Records, the album offers a rich array of renditions that stay true to the heart and soul of Chenier’s catalog while infusing contemporary touches from some of today’s most revered musical figures. The album’s first single, “Release Me,” premiered recently, showcasing a hauntingly beautiful collaboration between Americana legend Lucinda Williams, Swamp Pop Hall of Famer Tommy McClain, and Zydeco maestro Keith Frank. This rendition stays faithful to the 1969 original, which Chenier himself had crafted in a laid-back Zydeco style, slowing the tempo to allow for intimate dance moments.
Steve Berlin’s production of “Release Me” keeps the authentic Louisiana feel, drawing on the musical talents of Lafayette’s finest, including Keith Frank’s accordion, Steve Riley’s fiddle, and a soulful saxophone solo by Dickie Landry. C.C. Adcock, who also produced the single, describes the track’s creation as a vivid journey into the heart of South Louisiana’s dance halls, capturing the deep, rich nostalgia of the region’s musical culture. Fans of the genre can stream or purchase “Release Me” now and pre-order A Tribute to the King of Zydeco ahead of its official release.
A tribute to Chenier’s legacy extends beyond music. Valcour Records has joined forces with the Chenier family estate and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to establish the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship, designed to honor the zydeco legend, will provide financial support to students studying Zydeco accordion at UL Lafayette’s College of the Arts. All proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will benefit this new scholarship fund. For those wishing to support, further details and donation opportunities can be found on the scholarship’s dedicated page.
The celebration of Clifton Chenier’s centennial will continue with a special performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 2, 2025. The “Dockside Allstars,” the house band from the album, will take the stage at Fais Do-Do, accompanied by special guests like C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Marcia Ball, and Curley Taylor. The 5:50 pm set promises to be a night full of surprises, as other unannounced performers may join the stage.
The full album tracklist includes stellar collaborations that span genres, such as:
-
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” – The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
-
“Easy Easy Baby” – Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
-
“Hey ‘Tite Fille” – Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
-
“Release Me” – Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank
-
“Just Like A Woman” – Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
-
“I’m On The Wonder” – Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
-
“My Soul” – Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley
-
“Hot Rod” – David Hidalgo and C.J. Chenier
-
“Tout Le Temps En Temps” – Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle
-
“Ay Ai Ai” – Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
-
“I May Be Wrong” – Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
-
“I’m Coming Home” – C.J. Chenier and Sonny Landreth
-
“You Used To Call Me” – John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
-
“Why Did You Go Last Night” – Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero
The project is produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy, with executive production by John Leopold. The album’s production also saw contributions from C.C. Adcock on the tracks “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me.”
Valcour Records, an independent music label based in Louisiana since 2006, has a long history of championing the rich musical heritage of the state. With this tribute, the label continues to elevate Louisiana’s cultural legacy, bringing its music to a global audience while staying deeply connected to the heart of its roots.
The celebration of Clifton Chenier’s music and influence is set to resonate for generations to come, as his sounds continue to shape the world of Zydeco and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this centennial celebration by pre-ordering A Tribute to the King of Zydeco and contributing to the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship.
For more information, to pre-order the album, or to donate to the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship, visit Valcour Records’ official website.
