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C.J. Chenier

Photo by Karin Braun

The Heir to the Zydeco Throne

Born in 1957 as son of King of Zydeco Clifton Chenier, Clayton Joseph Thompson grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. C.J. Chenier had only occasional contact with his father, who lived with his wife in Lafayette. C.J. Chenier played saxophone and keyboard. In 1978 C.J. Chenier joined his father's Red Hot Louisiana Band and went on to learn to play the accordion. He also changed his last name in Chenier. In 1987, as Clifton Chenier died, C.J. Chenier became the leader of the Red Hot Louisiana Band. After taking over the Red Hot Louisiana Band, C.J. Chenier forged ahead, releasing three solo albums (one on Arhoolie and two on Slash) and playing hundreds of gigs. The band attracted the attention of fans, critics and fellow musicians by playing major festivals like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, San Diego’s Street Scene, and Milwaukee’s Summerfest. Singer/songwriter Paul Simon heard C.J. and handpicked him to play on his Rhythm Of The Saints album, then asked him to join his "Born At The Right Time" tour. A few years later C.J. showed up as a guest on the Gin Blossom’s New Miserable Experience album. Since 1994 C.J. records with success for Alligator. Rooted in traditional zydeco, C.J. Chenier's music adds many other elements, including funk, Southern soul, R&B, rock and jazz.

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