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.
Moi J'Ai Une P'tite Femme
Clifton Chenier Lyrics
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She's good to me, oh yeah
Said I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
She gives me money when I'm in need
Yeah, she's a kind of friend indeed
I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin', early in the mornin'
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin', early in the mornin'
Just for me, oh yeah
She saves her lovin', just for me
Always loves me, so tenderly
I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
She's there to love me
Both day and night
Never grumbles or fusses
Always treats me right
Never runnin' in the streets
Leavin' me alone
She knows a woman's place
Is right there, now, in the home
I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
Said I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
Well, she's my baby, don't you understand
Yeah, I'm her lovin' man, now
I got a woman, way over town
She's good to me, oh yeah
Well, don't you know she's all right
Well, don't you know she's all right
She's all right, she's all right
The song Moi J'Ai Une P'tite Femme by Clifton Chenier speaks of a woman that the singer has in his life who lives far away from him, but she is good to him. The opening verse talks about her generosity, how she is always willing to lend him some money when he needs it, and how she is his true friend. The second verse talks about how she reserves her love for him, waking up early in the morning just to shower him with love and affection. She loves him tenderly and with a passion that is reserved just for him.
The third verse talks about the reliability and consistency of the woman, who is always there for him, day or night, and who never complains or causes any trouble. She is a loving partner who treats him well and respects him. The fourth and final verse talks about how the woman knows that her place is in his home, taking care of him and making sure that he is happy. Overall, the song is a tribute to this woman who is a loyal and dependable partner who brings joy into the singer's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I got a woman, way over town
I have a woman who lives in another part of town
She's good to me, oh yeah
She is kind and treats me well
Said I got a woman, way over town
I already mentioned that I have a woman in another part of town
She gives me money when I'm in need
She helps me out financially when I am in trouble
Yeah, she's a kind of friend indeed
She is a true friend to me
She saves her lovin', early in the mornin'
She shows me love and affection particularly in the mornings
Just for me, oh yeah
Only for my sake
Always loves me, so tenderly
She always treats me with love and gentleness
She's there to love me
She is always available to love me
Both day and night
At all times
Never grumbles or fusses
She never complains or argues
Always treats me right
She always treats me well
Never runnin' in the streets
She is not the type to go out partying and running around the streets
Leavin' me alone
She does not abandon me or leave my side
She knows a woman's place
She knows her role and responsibilities as a woman
Is right there, now, in the home
Her place is at home, taking care of me and the household
Well, she's my baby, don't you understand
She is my partner and lover
Yeah, I'm her lovin' man, now
I am the man who loves her and is loved by her
Well, don't you know she's all right
She is doing well and everything is good with her
She's all right, she's all right
She is doing well, and there is nothing to worry about
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RENALD RICHARD, RAY CHARLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind