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

Clifton Chenier
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

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