Tribute album also features Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, Steve Earle, and more—out June 27 via Valcour Records
On what would have been Clifton Chenier’s 100th birthday, the King of Zydeco is being honored by some of the most celebrated names in music—including none other than the Rolling Stones. The legendary British rock band has recorded a blistering new version of Chenier’s signature tune, “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés,” as part of a star-studded tribute album set to release Friday, June 27, on Valcour Records.
The track appears on A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, a 14-song compilation celebrating the trailblazing legacy of Chenier, whose mix of Creole French, blues, and accordion-driven rhythms helped popularize zydeco around the world. The album features a diverse lineup of artists, including Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, and more, all reinterpreting Chenier’s classic catalog for a new generation.
“The Stones are truly honored to be on this tribute album,” the band said in a statement. “Clifton Chenier was one of the most influential musicians to come out of Louisiana. There is not a zydeco band who has not followed the template Chenier created.”
The Stones’ take on “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” features Steve Riley on accordion and showcases frontman Mick Jagger singing in Creole French alongside guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood’s signature rhythmic interplay. Produced by Louisiana rocker CC Adcock, the track blends the swagger of rock and roll with the swampy groove of zydeco.
“Man, this one sounds like they’re just running wild through the swamps with it,” said Adcock. “They’ve taken Clifton’s music—and even his musicians—and made it their own, while still honoring the roots.”
The tribute is co-produced by Grammy-winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and Joel Savoy, founder of Valcour Records and member of Louisiana’s famed Savoy family. The project serves not just as a celebration, but as a reinvestment in the culture Chenier helped build. All proceeds from album sales will fund the new Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which supports students studying traditional music—especially zydeco accordion—at the College of the Arts.
“While he has been honored with many awards, Clifton Chenier’s real impact is found in the lives and style of musicians from southwest Louisiana and beyond,” said Berlin and Savoy in a joint statement.
In tandem with the tribute album, Smithsonian Folkways is releasing a comprehensive box set chronicling Chenier’s storied career. Also included is a limited-edition 7” single pairing the Rolling Stones’ version of “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” with a vintage take recorded by Chenier himself in 1965.
The full tracklist spans beloved songs from Chenier’s discography reimagined by icons across genres: from Steve Earle’s rendition of “Just Like a Woman” to CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth’s duet on “I’m Coming Home.” Lucinda Williams joins Tommy McClain and Keith Frank for a soulful take on “Release Me,” while Taj Mahal teams with Frank again on the rollicking “Hey ‘Tite Fille.”
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is more than just a tribute—it’s a testament to the enduring power of Chenier’s influence and the reach of zydeco music from the dance halls of Lafayette to rock’s global stage.
For more information or to pre-order the album, visit valcourrecords.com.
Track Highlights from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco:
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“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” – The Rolling Stones & Steve Riley
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“Release Me” – Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain & Keith Frank
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“Hey ‘Tite Fille” – Taj Mahal & Keith Frank
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“I’m Coming Home” – CJ Chenier & Sonny Landreth
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“Just Like A Woman” – Steve Earle & Anthony Dopsie
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“My Soul” – Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas & Steve Riley
All proceeds benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at UL Lafayette
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