On Saturday the St. Landry Parish Tourism, the Opelousas Museum and Opelousas Tourism paid tribute to Clifton Chenier through art and music. A larger-than-life cutout image of Clifton Chenier was unveiled, designed by Opelousas Artist Theon Guillory. The June Zydeco Jam for Clifton Chenier was led by CJ Chenier the son of Clifton Chenier. Known as the Crown Prince of Zydeco CJ also had a question and answer period with Tourism Director Herman Fuselier. Linnie Herpin, who lives in the Leonville area, told of how Clifton Chenier lived not too far from her home, so close in fact that she and her cousin would listen to Clifton playing his accordion on his front porch after a hard day of working in the fields. The free to attend tribute was part of the St. Landry Parish Zydeco Capital Jam monthly jam sessions open to players of all skill levels. This year, the celebration took place at the Opelousas Museum with CJ Chenier leading the jam session.
In 2000, the Louisiana State Legislature designated Chenier’s hometown of Opelousas as the ZydecoMusic Capital of the World. In 2021, June 25 was declared Clifton Chenier Day in the state by the Louisiana state legislature. Chenier, the “King of Zydeco” who won a Grammy in 1983 and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award, was born June 25, 1925, near Opelousas. His hard-driving, ground-breaking style of zydeco music is celebrated worldwide.
Chenier’s son, C.J. joined his father’s band on his 21st birthday. When Clifton died in 1987 his son, C.J., adopted the Red Hot Louisiana Band and recorded his debut album for Arhoolie Records. C.J. Chenier has won many awards for his music including a Grammy nomination.
