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The origin of the term "zydeco" is uncertain. One theory is that it derives from the French phrase Les haricots [ne] sont pas salés , [ 7 ] which, when spoken in Louisiana French , is pronounced [lez‿a.ɾi.ko sɔ̃ pa saˈle] .
The music of rural south Louisiana features significant input from non-Creoles, most notably African Americans who are critical to the cultural/musical identity. Four main musical genres are indigenous to this area — Creole music (i.e. zydeco), swamp pop, and swamp blues. These historically-rooted genres, with unique rhythms and personalities ...
Today, zydeco musicians sing in English, Louisiana Creole or Colonial Louisiana French. Today's Zydeco often incorporates a blend of swamp pop, blues, and/or jazz as well as "Cajun Music" (originally called Old Louisiana French Music). An instrument unique to zydeco is a form of washboard called the frottoir or scrub board. This is a vest made ...
In mild contrast, zydeco dancing is a syncopated two-step or jitterbug. A Cajun dancer will cover the dance floor while the zydeco dancer will primarily dance in a smaller area. Cajun music can be found predominantly at Louisiana festivals and dance halls, in addition to weddings in Acadiana. Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, 2015.
Both his accordion playing and vocals have been stylistically influential in Cajun music and zydeco. [ 6 ] Along with bandmates like Dennis McGee, Ardoin "crossed the musical color line" in the Jim Crow South , earning the admiration of listeners of both races and creating temporary social spaces where cultural interchange could take place. [ 11 ]
Important musicians in the years after World War II brought back the accordion as the lead instrument, following the string band era of the late 1930s and 1940s when the accordion was not featured on recordings. During the 1970s and beyond the trend continued, sometimes with elements of country-western music of the day and rock added to the sound.
The term Creole music (French: musique créole) is used to refer to two distinct musical traditions: art songs adapted from 19th-century vernacular music; or the vernacular traditions of Louisiana Creole people which have persisted as 20th- and 21st-century la la and zydeco in addition to influencing Cajun music.
Zachary Richard mentions Chenier in his song "Clif's Zydeco" (on Richard's 2012 album Le Fou). The Squeezebox Stompers' "Zydeco Train" says, "Clifton Chenier, he's the engineer." The jam band Phish often covers Chenier's song "My Soul" in live performances. [17] Chenier is the subject of Les Blank's 1973 documentary film Hot Pepper.