On June 27, Smithsonian Folkways, Arhoolie Records, and Valcour Records will release a limited edition vinyl 7” featuring a new recording of Clifton Chenier’s signature tune “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” by The Rolling Stones, produced by acclaimed musician and songwriter CC Adcock. On the single’s flip side is Chenier’s version from his 1965 sessions with Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz, which offers a contrasting take on the rollicking shuffle heard on his debut album.
The track “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” is taken off of the forthcoming album A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco, due for release on June 27, 2025. The album will present 14 tracks contributed by Taj Mahal, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Jon Cleary, Charley Crockett, Jimmie Vaughan, David Hidalgo and more. “Zydeco et Pas Salés” is a song with humble origins that gave its name to an entire musical tradition. Translating to snapbeans and no salt, a reference to the hardships of rural poverty, the song had a long history in the Louisiana countryside before it became a signature hit for Clifton Chenier, known as the King of Zydeco. With just his voice, accordion, washboard, and drums, Chenier fuses blues and R&B with the Creole and Cajun music bedrock of South Louisiana to create music that moves you.
Now, sixty years after Chenier first recorded it, The Rolling Stones give the song their signature treatment. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” turns the accordion-driven classic into a rapturous rock’n’roll anthem. Sung entirely in French by Mick Jagger (who has been a lifelong fan of Chenier since seeing him perform live in 1965) and featuring the spirited playing of iconic Louisiana accordionist Steve Riley, the Stones pay tribute to one of their musical heroes by capturing the whole-hearted euphoria of Chenier’s performances. Taken together, these two versions of the zydeco classic evidence the ways that the Black music at the heart of zydeco and rock’n’roll – blues with its depth and grit, and R&B with its cadence and soul – have traversed the globe and united people and traditions.
In a statement from the band, they say, “The Stones are truly honoured to be on this tribute album amongst a stellar cast of artists and musicians. Clifton Chenier was one of the most influential musicians to come out of Louisiana. He turned so many people onto the wonderful free-spirited dance music of Zydeco, including ourselves back in the day.”
“Clifton Chenier was the unchallenged king of Louisiana’s zydeco music” – New York Times
“Chenier’s 1975 ensemble is one of the great bands in American history” – Washington Post
“In the world of zydeco, the infectious accordion-driven Creole dance music of southwest Louisiana, its undisputed king is Clifton Chenier”
– Gene Tomko for the Library of Congress
Photo courtesy of Arhoolie Foundation