Blues Legend Taj Mahal Pays Tribute To The King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier for his 100th Birthday

​Musical Icons Celebrate the King of Zydeco’s Centennial with Star-Studded Tribute Album

Musical greats are turning out in full force to honor what would be the 100th birthday of Clifton Chenier—the undisputed King of Zydeco. For those unfamiliar with his legacy, let’s rewind. In 1955, Specialty Records released “Eh, 'tite Fille” (“Hey, little girl” in Chenier’s Creole French), a breakout single from a then-unknown accordionist from Opelousas, Louisiana. The track became a regional sensation, and Chenier hit the road with his band, the Zydeco Ramblers. That tour helped launch Zydeco beyond Louisiana, setting Chenier on a path that would eventually earn him the crown as the genre’s most iconic figure.

Seventy years later, Chenier’s influence still resonates far beyond Zydeco. His pioneering sound left a lasting mark on R&B, blues, and rock & roll, inspiring generations of musicians and earning him a place in multiple halls of fame. This legacy lives on through A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a new compilation album out June 27 via Valcour Records. Produced by GRAMMY winner Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) and Joel Savoy (Valcour founder and member of the “First Family of Cajun Music”), the 14-track album brings together a stellar cast including the Rolling Stones, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, and Charley Crockett.

The latest single from the project brings it full circle with Taj Mahal delivering a fiery rendition of “Hey ‘Tite Fille,” joined by accordionist and vocalist Keith Frank—also known as the Zydeco Boss. A signature song in Chenier’s repertoire, “Hey ‘Tite Fille” has seen several spellings over the decades but has always retained its raw energy. Taj Mahal alternates seamlessly between French and English lyrics, with Frank’s accordion anchoring a powerhouse band featuring Eric Adcock (piano), Derek Huston (sax), and Roddie Romero (guitar), all capturing the freight-train intensity of Chenier’s original sound.

Fans can stream or purchase “Hey ‘Tite Fille” now [link], check out the previously released single “Release Me” (featuring Lucinda Williams, Tommy McLain, and Keith Frank) [link], and pre-order A Tribute to the King of Zydeco ahead of its June 27 release.

​In tandem with the album, Valcour Records has teamed up with the Chenier family estate and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to establish the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship. Launching in celebration of Chenier’s 100th birthday in 2025, the scholarship will support students studying Traditional Music—particularly Zydeco accordion—at UL Lafayette’s College of the Arts. All proceeds from the tribute album will go toward funding the scholarship.
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​A Tribute to the King of Zydeco Tracklist:
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” - The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
“Easy Easy Baby” - Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
“Hey ‘Tite Fille” - Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
“Release Me” - Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank
“Just Like A Woman” - Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
“I'm On The Wonder” - Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
“My Soul” - Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley
“Hot Rod” - David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier
“Tout Le Temps En Temps” - Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle
“Ay Ai Ai” - Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
“I May Be Wrong” - Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
“I'm Coming Home” - CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth
“You Used To Call Me” - John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
“Why Did You Go Last Night” - Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero

​Album produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy with Executive Producer John Leopold. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me” produced by C.C. Adcock.
About Valcour Records: Louisiane. Musique. Culture. Founded in 2006, Valcour Records is an independent Louisiana music label based in Eunice. We partner with musicians, artists, and artisans to bring you music and cultural content you won’t find anywhere else. Showcasing on the world stage the extraordinary talents born from the rich and diverse cultures of Louisiana.  
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is funded through the generous support of Lafayette Travel, Rex Foundation, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Jeffrey & Lester Price, Steve Zieff & Elaine Leitner, Ray Flores/Pink Trailer Productions, Love of People, and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.