Listen to Clifton Chenier’s rendition of “Mr. Charlie,” the first single from the box set ‘King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco,’ out November 14th. Chenier recorded this groove-forward blues classic with his Red Hot Louisiana band in San Francisco in 1971 to broadcast live on KSAN radio. Written by his cousin and Arhoolie Records labelmate Lightnin’ Hopkins, this previously unissued recording of the song from the Arhoolie Foundation’s archive is now available on digital platforms. The track is one of many live gems on the upcoming release that trace Chenier’s evolution as a powerhouse performer whose blending of blues, R&B, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Louisiana Cajun and Creole music defined the genre now recognized as zydeco.
Smithsonian Folkways
Listen to Clifton Chenier’s rendition of “Mr. Charlie,” the first single from the box set ‘King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco,’ out November 14th. Chenier recorded this groove-forward blues classic with his Red Hot Louisiana band in San Francisco in 1971 to broadcast live on KSAN radio. Written by his cousin and Arhoolie Records labelmate Lightnin’ Hopkins, this previously unissued recording of the song from the Arhoolie Foundation’s archive is now available on digital platforms. The track is one of many live gems on the upcoming release that trace Chenier’s evolution as a powerhouse performer whose blending of blues, R&B, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and Louisiana Cajun and Creole music defined the genre now recognized as zydeco.
Pre-order the four-CD or six-LP box set and stream Chenier’s performance of “Mr. Charlie” through the link here: orcd.co/clifton-chenier-king-of-louisiana-blues-an…
📸 Cleveland and Clifton Chenier. Photo by Chris Strachwitz, Arhoolie Foundation Archive.
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