Zydeco Sont Pas Salés

Clifton Chenier, The Rolling Stones

“Zydeco et Pas Salés” is a song with humble origins that gave its name to an entire musical tradition. Translating to snapbeans and no salt, a reference to the hardships of rural poverty, the song had a long history in the Louisiana countryside before it became a signature hit for Clifton Chenier, known as the King of Zydeco. With just his voice, accordion, washboard, and drums, Chenier fuses blues and R&B with the Creole and Cajun music bedrock of South Louisiana to create music that moves you. Now, sixty years after Chenier first recorded it, The Rolling Stones give the song their signature treatment. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” turns the accordion-driven classic into a rapturous rock’n’roll anthem. Sung entirely in French by Mick Jagger and featuring the spirited playing of iconic Louisiana accordionist Steve Riley, the Stones pay tribute to one of their musical heroes by capturing the whole-hearted euphoria of Chenier’s performances.

This limited edition 7” single features the Rolling Stones raucous version of the song on its South side. On the North side is a version from Chenier’s 1965 sessions with Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz, offering a contrasting take on the rollicking shuffle heard on his debut album. Taken together, these two versions of the zydeco classic evidence the ways that the Black music at the heart of zydeco and rock’n’roll—blues with its depth and grit, and R&B with its cadence and soul—have traversed the globe and united people and traditions.

To celebrate Clifton Chenier’s 100th birthday, Smithsonian Folkways is releasing an expansive box set featuring music from throughout his career. Learn more here.