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.
Rosemary
Clifton Chenier Lyrics
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Tell her I'm tired of travellin', I just can't go on this way
Every night I travelled with my friends, now I'm coming home to stay
So if you see Rose Mary tell her, tell her I'm on my way
If you see Rosemary, tell her I'm coming home to stay
The lyrics of Clifton Chenier's song "Rosemary" depict a longing for home and a sense of weariness from constant traveling. The singer is reaching out to someone named Rose Mary, hoping that she will receive the message that he is on his way home and plans to stay for good. The repetition of the line "tell her I'm coming home to stay" emphasizes the singer's determination to finally settle down after what seems like a long journey. The singer also mentions how he used to travel with his friends every night, indicating a sort of camaraderie that he is leaving behind in favor of returning home.
The song holds a universal theme of longing for home and finding a place of belonging. The singer's tone is sincere and emotional, as he not only wants to reunite with someone special but also wants to put an end to the weary lifestyle he has been living. The song also touches on the idea of missing out on important moments in life due to being away for prolonged periods. The simple yet powerful lyrics and melody of "Rosemary" blend together to create a touching expression of homecoming and finding peace.
Line by Line Meaning
If you see Rose Mary, tell her I'm coming home to stay
Please notify Rose Mary that I am returning back to stay permanently.
Tell her I'm tired of travelin', I just can't go on this way
Please convey my message that I'm exhausted due to my extensive journey and I can't continue any longer.
Every night I travelled with my friends, now I'm coming home to stay
For every night, I traveled with my friends, but now I want to settle down with Rose Mary.
So if you see Rose Mary tell her, tell her I'm on my way
If you encounter Rose Mary, please convey to her that I am in transit and will soon reach her.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTOINE DOMINO, DAVE BARTHOLOMEW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind