American Roots

 Zydeco! What the heck is that?!

Ever heard of Creole? Well, creoles have their own form of music, and that is Zydeco. Don't creoles come from Louisiana or something? Is that similar to Cajun music? Well first of all, historically speaking, Creole refers to the people that were born in Louisiana, in West Indies, or any other part of French or Spanish America during the Colonial period, spoke Spanish and/or Creole, and more than likely practiced the Roman Catholic faith. Creole music today connects people back to their roots from the Colonial period. People of black African, white French, Spaniard Spanish, and mixed heritage all fall under the category of creole, which I personally think is a wonderful thing, simply because people can't say "Oh your not of my race, so you can't listen to my music. You don't belong." Now, back to the main topic; what the heck is Zydeco?!

Originally, Zydeco was Louisiana-French accordion music and Afro-Caribbean beats. It had influences from Creole music (Africa), Cajun music (French-Canadians), and gospel and the blues (Africa). This music was originally a way for the Creole people to express the hardships in their life. Over the years, it has grown and evolved into something much greater. 

Here's video of the history of Zydeco that I found very helpful:

In 1929, Amédé Ardoin made some of the first recordings of Zydeco, also known at the time as la-la music. 

 Amédé Ardoin, "Les Blues de Voyage"

One of the most well known musicians of Zydeco is Clifton Chenier. Born and raised in St. Landry, Louisiana, Clifton grew up on a farm while at the same time learning accordion from his father, who played the accordion at home. Clifton at age 16 started playing the accordion with his brother Cleveland (who played the washboard) at house parties. Over time his band became more complex, adding electric guitar and drums, among other instruments. Eventually they started playing in clubs, and little by little the clubs they played in got bigger and bigger. After playing around Louisiana with his band and getting married to his wife, Clifton got back with his brother and recorded 2 songs; "Louisiana Stomp" and "Clifton's Blues", which like Amédé Ardoin's, are some of the earliest recorded tracks of Zydeco. After much more touring with his brother and the rest of his band, Clifton signed on with Arhoolie, a big name California label. It was after signing on with them that he recorded his first album and attained national acclaim. He soon became Arhoolie's top selling artist and from the 1960s to around 1980, he toured all around with his Red Hot Louisiana Band. After making and releasing a couple of more recordings, he won a Grammy in 1983 and the title of "The King of Zydeco". 

 Clifton Chenier, "Louisiana Two-Step"

Zydeco has come a long way since then. Funnily enough, one of the first recorded Zydeco songs has the title of “J’ai Fait Tout le Tour du Pays.” In this song there are the lyrics, “les haricots sont pas salés", which actually has a few different meanings. In French, it literally translates to "The Snap Beans are not Salty". It was a metaphor meaning that times are so difficult that we cannot even afford to season our food. Over time the title of the song was shortened and took on a few different meanings. Of course you have the title of the song, the title of the genre that was represented, the social gatherings where that music was played, and the dances danced to the song. Technically speaking, you could Zydeco to zydeco at the zydeco. Isn't that wild?! Really only after the hit "Bon Ton Roula" did the name Zydeco take on the title of the Creole dance music. Since the word originally came from oral tradition, there are a few different spellings, but this is the most accepted one today.

Speaking of today, Zydeco music today is very similar, but also distinctly different. Today, it's used as music for celebrations and festivals all over Louisiana. You still have the accordion and a frottoir (a washboard), as you did back when it was first conceived. Today's Zydeco has (depending on the group) violin, electric guitar, and drums; all instruments that were eventually brought on board to increase the diversity and popularity of the Zydeco bands. Of course you now often have big celebrations with a big stage, and special effects, but the music is still there. Hopefully it'll continue on for another generation. 

Here's a video from Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys. I absolutely love their vibe, and I hope you do too!

Websites that I used:

https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/zydeco-music-louisiana

https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/clifton-chenier

https://www.louisianafolklife.org/lt/articles_essays/cajunzydeco.html

https://musicrising.tulane.edu/discover/themes/zydeco/