The Best of Clifton Chenier: The King of Zydeco and Louisiana Blues

Chifton Chenier (1925–1987) is universally recognized as the creator of zydeco music, a blend of French and Cajun two-steps and waltzes with New Orleans R&B, Texas blues, and big-band jazz. This collection of 17 songs is drawn from his extensive catalogue with Arhoolie Records and features a previously unreleased live version of “Zydeco Sont Pas Salé” (The Snap Beans Aren’t Salty) as well as a 15-minute interview conducted by Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz. Allmusic.com notes that this collection is a good starting point for anyone interested in the origins of zydeco.

Track Listing

101	Je Me Reveiller Le Matin (I Woke up This Morning)	Clifton Chenier	03:16
102	I'm Coming Home (To See My Mother)	Clifton Chenier	03:19
103	Ay, Ai, Ai	Clifton Chenier	02:27
104	Brown Skin Woman (Who Can Your Good Man Be)	Clifton Chenier	03:44
105	Hot Rod	Clifton Chenier	02:50
106	It's Hard	Clifton Chenier	03:24
107	All Your Love	Clifton Chenier	04:24
108	Party Down (At the Blue Angel Club)	Clifton Chenier	04:51
109	Why Did You Go Last Night	Clifton Chenier	03:19
110	Ma Mama Ma Dit (My Mama Told Me)	Clifton Chenier	03:32
111	Zydeco Cha Cha	Clifton Chenier	03:46
112	Bon Ton Roulet	Clifton Chenier	03:10
113	Black Gal	Clifton Chenier	02:40
114	Johnny Can't Dance	Clifton Chenier	04:44
115	I'm on the Wonder	Clifton Chenier	04:19
116	Zydeco Sont Pas Sale (Snap Beans Without Salt)	Clifton Chenier	03:43
117	Ain't No Need of Crying (Every Day is the Same / Louisiana Blues)	Clifton Chenier	04:13
118	Interview, KPFA, Berkeley, CA 1978	Clifton Chenier	15:25