Article Contributed by IVPR
Published on February 5, 2026
When producers Steve Berlin, Joel Savoy, and executive producer John Leopold started assembling musicians from around the country to pay tribute to the late, great Zydeco authority Clifton Chenier on what would’ve been his 100th birthday, they knew they were cooking up something memorable. But the final project, an album titled A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco, exceeded expectations and was awarded accordingly last week with the GRAMMY Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album.
Released on Valcour Records, A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco features contributions from world-renowned musicians like The Rolling Stones—read about the English rockers’ connection with Chenier in The Atlantic— Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, and zydeco’s current-day stars connecting the rest of the world to Louisiana’s deep soul and culture.
“It’s a beautiful way to kick off our 20th year as a small independent record label in southwest Louisiana!” says Savoy. “This album and this award would not be possible without the legacy that Clifton Chenier left behind, not only in South Louisiana but across the globe. We are humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire Zydeco community that works hard day and night to keep this music thriving.”
“This album was a labor of love to honor the legendary Clifton Chenier,” adds Leopold. “Bringing together a diverse set of artists to celebrate his life has helped us realize our goal of sharing his music with a whole new generation of fans. As Clifton’s father told him, ‘If you’re going to play the accordion, be the best.’”
With this win, everyone involved would like to reiterate that all profits from A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco are going directly to fund a new scholarship in Chenier’s name at the College of the Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In conjunction with Valcour Records, the Chenier family estate, and the University of Louisiana Lafayette, the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship will offer annual financial assistance to students studying Traditional Music, specifically Zydeco accordion, at UL Lafayette. To learn more about the scholarship or to donate, please visit this link.
If you haven’t already, purchase A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco on CD or vinyl from the Valcour Records store.
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco Tracklist:
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” – The Rolling Stones and Steve Riley
“Easy Easy Baby” – Charley Crockett and Nathan Williams, Sr.
“Hey ‘Tite Fille” – Taj Mahal and Keith Frank
“Release Me” – Lucinda Williams, Tommy McClain, and Keith Frank
“Just Like A Woman” – Steve Earle and Anthony Dopsie
“I’m On The Wonder” – Jon Cleary and Curley Taylor
“My Soul” – Jimmie Vaughan, Johnny Nicholas, and Steve Riley
“Hot Rod” – David Hidalgo and CJ Chenier
“Tout Le Temps En Temps” – Shannon McNally, Keith Frank, and Molly Tuttle
“Ay Ai Ai” – Ruben Ramos with Los Texmaniacs and Augie Meyers
“I May Be Wrong” – Marcia Ball and Geno Delafose
“I’m Coming Home” – CJ Chenier and Sonny Landreth
“You Used To Call Me” – John Hiatt and Roddie Romero
“Why Did You Go Last Night” – Kam Franklin, A. J. Haynes, and Roddie Romero
Album produced by Steve Berlin and Joel Savoy with Executive Producer John Leopold. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” and “Release Me” produced by C.C. Adcock.
About Valcour Records: Louisiane. Musique. Culture. Founded in 2006, Valcour Records is an independent Louisiana music label based in Eunice. We partner with musicians, artists, and artisans to bring you music and cultural content you won’t find anywhere else. Showcasing on the world stage the extraordinary talents born from the rich and diverse cultures of Louisiana.
A Tribute to the King of Zydeco is funded through the generous support of Lafayette Travel, Rex Foundation, Gia Maione Prima Foundation, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Jeffrey & Lester Price, Steve Zieff & Elaine Leitner, Ray Flores/Pink Trailer Productions, Love of People, and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development.
