
Zydeco, the music of black French Louisiana, was even more obscure than its Cajun cousin until it experienced a vogue in the 1980s. The word is a corruption of les haricots (beans—from the lyrics of one popular song) and the music is a sort of cross between R&B and Cajun. The accordion is front and center (usually no fiddle) with rhythm from triangle, washboard or "rub-board" (worn on the chest), and guitar. Some groups have recently added saxophone. Clifton Chenier (d. 1987) was the King of Zydeco in his generation; Rockin' Dopsie and Buckwheat Zydeco are notable current performers. Here we sample the Sam Brothers 5 playing "Lafayette Special." (AU Format) (Real Audio Format)