Clifton Chenier (June 25, 1925 - December 12, 1987) was an American Zydeco … Read Full Bio ↴Clifton Chenier (June 25, 1925 - December 12, 1987) was an American Zydeco accordion player and singer.
Chenier, a Creole French-speaking native of Opelousas, Louisiana, was an eminent performer and recording artist of Zydeco, which arose from Cajun and Creole music, with rhythm & blues, jazz, and blues influences. He won a Grammy Award in 1983. In 1984 he was honored as a National Heritage Fellow and in 1989 he was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame.
He was known as the 'King of Zydeco', and also billed as the 'King of the South'.
Chenier began his recording career in 1954, when he signed with Elko Records and released Clifton's Blues, a regional success. His first hit record was soon followed by "Ay 'Tite Fille (Hey, Little Girl)" (a cover of Professor Longhair's song). This received some mainstream success. With the Zydeco Ramblers, Chenier toured extensively. He also toured in the early days with Clarence Garlow, billed as the 'Two Crazy Frenchmen'. Chenier was signed with Chess Records in Chicago, followed by the Arhoolie label.
In April 1966, Chenier appeared at the Berkeley Blues Festival on the University of California campus and was subsequently described by Ralph J. Gleason, Jazz critic of the San Francisco Chronicle, as "... one of the most surprising musicians I have heard in some time, with a marvelously moving style of playing the accordion .. blues accordion, that's right, blues accordion."
Chenier was the first act to play at Antone's, a blues club on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas. Later in 1976, he reached a national audience when he appeared on the premiere season of the PBS music program Austin City Limits.[8] Three years later in 1979 he returned to the show with his Red Hot Louisiana Band.[9]
Chenier's popularity peaked in the 1980s, and he was recognized with a Grammy Award in 1983 for his album I'm Here.[1] It was the first Grammy for his new label Alligator Records. Chenier followed Queen Ida as the second Louisiana Creole to win a Grammy.
Chenier is credited with redesigning the wood and crimped tin washboard into the frottoir, an instrument that would easily hang from the shoulders. Cleveland Chenier, Clifton's older brother, also played in the Red Hot Louisiana Band. He found popularity for his ability to manipulate the distinctive sound of the frottoir by rubbing several bottle openers (held in each hand) along its ridges.
During their prime, Chenier and his band traveled throughout the world.
Chenier suffered from diabetes which eventually forced him to have a foot amputated and required dialysis because of associated kidney problems.
He died of diabetes-related kidney disease in December 1987 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and was buried in All Souls Cemetery in Loreauville, Iberia Parish, Louisiana.
Since 1987 his son, C. J. Chenier, has carried on the Zydeco tradition by touring with his father's band and recording albums.
In 1989, Chenier was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Rory Gallagher wrote a song in tribute to Chenier entitled "The King of Zydeco". Paul Simon mentioned Chenier in his song "That Was Your Mother", from his 1986 album Graceland. John Mellencamp refers to "Clifton" in his song "Lafayette", about the Louisiana city where Chenier often performed. The song is on Mellencamp's 2003 album Trouble No More. Zachary Richard mentioned Chenier in his song "Clif's Zydeco" (on Richard's 2012 album Le Fou).
The jam band Phish often covers Chenier's song "My Soul" in live performances.
Chenier is the subject of Les Blank's 1973 documentary film, Hot Pepper.
Chenier, a Creole French-speaking native of Opelousas, Louisiana, was an eminent performer and recording artist of Zydeco, which arose from Cajun and Creole music, with rhythm & blues, jazz, and blues influences. He won a Grammy Award in 1983. In 1984 he was honored as a National Heritage Fellow and in 1989 he was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame.
He was known as the 'King of Zydeco', and also billed as the 'King of the South'.
Chenier began his recording career in 1954, when he signed with Elko Records and released Clifton's Blues, a regional success. His first hit record was soon followed by "Ay 'Tite Fille (Hey, Little Girl)" (a cover of Professor Longhair's song). This received some mainstream success. With the Zydeco Ramblers, Chenier toured extensively. He also toured in the early days with Clarence Garlow, billed as the 'Two Crazy Frenchmen'. Chenier was signed with Chess Records in Chicago, followed by the Arhoolie label.
In April 1966, Chenier appeared at the Berkeley Blues Festival on the University of California campus and was subsequently described by Ralph J. Gleason, Jazz critic of the San Francisco Chronicle, as "... one of the most surprising musicians I have heard in some time, with a marvelously moving style of playing the accordion .. blues accordion, that's right, blues accordion."
Chenier was the first act to play at Antone's, a blues club on Sixth Street in Austin, Texas. Later in 1976, he reached a national audience when he appeared on the premiere season of the PBS music program Austin City Limits.[8] Three years later in 1979 he returned to the show with his Red Hot Louisiana Band.[9]
Chenier's popularity peaked in the 1980s, and he was recognized with a Grammy Award in 1983 for his album I'm Here.[1] It was the first Grammy for his new label Alligator Records. Chenier followed Queen Ida as the second Louisiana Creole to win a Grammy.
Chenier is credited with redesigning the wood and crimped tin washboard into the frottoir, an instrument that would easily hang from the shoulders. Cleveland Chenier, Clifton's older brother, also played in the Red Hot Louisiana Band. He found popularity for his ability to manipulate the distinctive sound of the frottoir by rubbing several bottle openers (held in each hand) along its ridges.
During their prime, Chenier and his band traveled throughout the world.
Chenier suffered from diabetes which eventually forced him to have a foot amputated and required dialysis because of associated kidney problems.
He died of diabetes-related kidney disease in December 1987 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and was buried in All Souls Cemetery in Loreauville, Iberia Parish, Louisiana.
Since 1987 his son, C. J. Chenier, has carried on the Zydeco tradition by touring with his father's band and recording albums.
In 1989, Chenier was inducted posthumously into the Blues Hall of Fame.
Rory Gallagher wrote a song in tribute to Chenier entitled "The King of Zydeco". Paul Simon mentioned Chenier in his song "That Was Your Mother", from his 1986 album Graceland. John Mellencamp refers to "Clifton" in his song "Lafayette", about the Louisiana city where Chenier often performed. The song is on Mellencamp's 2003 album Trouble No More. Zachary Richard mentioned Chenier in his song "Clif's Zydeco" (on Richard's 2012 album Le Fou).
The jam band Phish often covers Chenier's song "My Soul" in live performances.
Chenier is the subject of Les Blank's 1973 documentary film, Hot Pepper.
It'S Christmas Time
Clifton Chenier Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'It'S Christmas Time' by these artists:
Al Martino It seems to me I've heard that song before It's from…
Ancient Machine It's getting closer now Feel the magic in the air Oh Oh It's…
Andreas Gabalier It's Christmas time, it's Christmas time Stand up, stand up …
Barenaked Ladies It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid At Christma…
bing crosby It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you…
Blake Collins Christmas time: such a happy time of year Spent with those…
Bob Crosby and his Orchestra It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you…
Carpenters It's Christmas time and time for a carol Time to sing…
Carroll Roberson The weatherman is givin′ out snow Fireplace feels good when …
Christmas Hits Are you hanging up your stocking on the wall? It's the…
City On a Hill In the city on the hill Hear the bells chime Peace on…
Cliff & Danielle Young It's show time!! CLI double F EDGE in the place to be! 1,…
Coach Kody Coach Kody Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, It's Christmas time It's the gi…
D.J. Santa & The Dance Squad It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you g…
Dan Caplen Oh, I wish it was '99 When I was a kid…
Daniel T. Coates Homesick tired All alone in a big city Why should…
Dawn Emily Sleigh bells ringing children singing So clear and so bright…
Deep Sea Diver All my friends are waiting with a candle by my…
Diana Ross (wintley phipps) It's christmas time And you will find his …
Dr. Kmer And I feel like a child Trying to the climb the…
Elaine & Derek I think it's time for a change Time to rearrange my…
Etta Jones I'm peeking out the window, looking at the snow Waiting for…
Frank Sinatra It's Christmas time all over the World And Christmas here at…
Frank Sinatra & Louis Armstrong Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below The folks…
Frank Sinatra - Louis Amstrong - Bing Crosby It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you…
George Shearing Once I was young Yesterday, perhaps Danced with Jim and Pa…
Gus And The Invisables Well its time now we got the spot on the…
Harry Gregson-Williams There is a Time of year When jingle bells will Start to appe…
Heart It's Christmas Time Christmas is the time of year When…
Honey & The Bees It's Christmas (Heal the world as one) Christmas candles bur…
J. T. AdamsThe Jordanaires You're not going for the goal You're just putting on a…
James Brown Ah, do it, yeah Clap my body, her body, my body;…
Jan Garber And His Orchestra It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you…
Joey Rory It's Christmas time again this year Can't believe it's alrea…
Joey Rory (Holiday) It's Christmas time again this year Can't believe it's alre…
Johnson Oh-oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah Oh-oh, oh-oh,…
Joy Sugar & Cream Ahoy Ahoy we're pirates out at sea Ahoy Ahoy Avast listen…
Kayote Im on your bedside with a coffee to go Wish I…
Kevin Ross It's Christmas time And its magic is here It's Christmas t…
KJ-52 Wake up sunshine It gon be a brand new day…
Land of the Lakes Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that …
Leo-Tan A fire wakes; dam breaks Those troubling words that mustn’t …
Little Bobby Rey & His Band Homesick tired All alone in a big city Why should…
Louis Armstrong Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below The folks…
Louis Armstrong & Frank Sinatra It's Christmas time all over the World And Christmas here at…
Lovemongers It's Christmas Time Christmas is the time of year When…
Macklemore (feat. Dan Caplen) Oh, I wish it was '99 When I was a kid…
Marc Roberts Everyone's counting the hours, the minutes For Christmas day…
Marcus & Martinus Oh yeah It's Christmas time again Feel like a child again Ho…
Marvin & Johnny Here we go Everybody count off, let me hear you count (One,…
Marvin and Johnny It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you g…
marvin gaye (Time) (Time) Jesus said, "(time) would heal all wounds" (Ti…
MATOMA When I closed my eyes last night I could see that…
Megan & Liz Lets be like kids On christmas morning First one awake All …
Megan and Liz Lets be like kids On christmas morning First one awake …
Melissa Etheridge What if we could create peace on Earth? I wonder what…
Miracles/Smokey Robinson A girl named Mary dreamed of being in love Gathering water…
Nat King Cole Pale moon shining on the fields below, Folks are crooning so…
O.N.E. Woo! Woo! Well It's Christmas time in the great outback Sant…
olivia o'brien Always dread December and the holidays All my spirit's gone …
One Orchestra Homesick tired All alone in a big city Why should…
Oral Bee & Markus Neby God jul god jul god jul God jul god jul Vi henger…
Pietro Lombardi If you're lonely, you miss the only I'll be there for…
Professor Daytime It's Christmas time And everything is white outside Let's fi…
Rich Chambers I open the first day on my advent calendar I feel…
Roses & Revolutions Give me a sign and I'll forgive you One by one For…
Rusty It's turning cold and we have snow, Lots of wreaths and…
Sam K. Lloyd Sitting here me and my thoughts Looking at the stars Forgot …
Sarantos I think (it's Christmas time) again Once again it's snowing…
Smokey Robinson A girl named Mary dreamed of being in love Gathering water…
Smokey Robinson The Miracles It's Christmas time And its magic is here It's Christmas t…
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles Kevin Ross A girl named Mary dreamed of being in love Gathering water…
Smokey Robinson; The Miracles It's Christmas time And its magic is here It's Christmas t…
Smokie Robinson & The Miracles A girl named Mary dreamed of being in love Gathering water…
Sounds of Blackness Dim the lights and let the room glow with cheer The…
Starlite Singers Another year's gone rock and rollin' by Oh how time flies It…
Status Quo Another year's gone rock and rollin' by Oh how time…
The Boys Frost grows outside the window First kiss under the mistleto…
The Judes Don't shake a stick at your love at a time…
The Merediths It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas Everywhere you g…
The Moderns What do the lonely do on Christmas ? Woman is a…
The Moore-McColl Jazz Society It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids…
The R&B Express It's Christmas Time (Live*) By The Storm Windows Give me p…
The Starlite Singers Another year's gone rock and rollin' by Oh how time flies It…
Thomas & Friends (Children's) This is how the story goes There’s a line of the…
Tommy Danger It's Christmas time, you know it's Christmas time It's Chris…
Tommy Lee & The Orbits Twas the night before Christmas, The most wonderful time. It…
Tye Tribbett Excuse me can I talk to you please Give me a…
Various Artists It's Christmas time There's no need to be afraid At Christma…
Yo La Tengo Baby, every cloud has a silver lining Baby, every dog really…
Z-Unit IT’S TIME TO FALL 唱：HEi-Z 曲：HEI-Z 詞：HEI-Z (Don't kill my …
We have lyrics for these tracks by Clifton Chenier:
All Night Long Cockburn Bruce 73 Night Vision Mama Just Wants To Barrelho…
Ay-Te Te Fee Hé'tite fille, hé'tite fille Ooh'tite fille Hé'tite fille,…
Ay-Tete-Fee Hé'tite fille, hé'tite fille Ooh'tite fille Hé'tite fil…
Bon Ton Roulet Et tout quelqu'une Allons amuser Tu juste vis une fois Et qu…
Calinda Tua boca linda Essa boca linda Essa boca linda Tua boca lind…
Driftin' Blues Well I'm drifting and drifting, Like a ship out on the…
Dry Your Eyes Don't cry, don't cry, baby Don't you cry, don't you cry Dry…
Eh 'Tite Fille Oh, oh, 'tite fille, oh, toi qu'est si jolie, Oh, oh,…
I You went away and left me long time ago And now…
I'm a Hog for You nae nalkeun gitareul deureo haji motan gobaegeul hogeun goji…
I'm Coming Home I'm, I'm coming home 'Cause I feel, you know I feel…
I'm on the Wonder I'm on the wonder If you ever think of me I'm on…
Le Blues De La Vache A Lait Well, I woke up this morning And I looked out the…
Moi J'Ai Une P'tite Femme Well, I got a woman, way over town She's good to…
Rosemary If you see Rose Mary, tell her I'm coming home…
Shake Rattle And Roll Get out from that kitchen, And rattle those pots and pans, …
What Hey mama, don't you treat me wrong Come and love your…
Whole Lotta Lovin I've got a whole lotta loving for you True, true loving…
Yesterday Yesterday, I lost the best friend I ever had Yesterday, I…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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