zydeco

zydeco (zī`dĭkō'), American musical form originating among the African-American Creoles of Louisiana. Drawing on elements of traditional Cajun music as well as jazz, country and western, and blues, it is characterized by French lyrics, Creole flavor, and strong dance rhythms. The most important and traditional instrument used in performing zydeco is the piano accordion. Other instruments often included in a zydeco band are the guitar, electric bass, saxophone, drums, and "rubboard" (washboard). Among the genre's better known performers are Clifton Chenier (1925–87), zydeco's best-known musician; Wilson Anthony "Boozoo" Chavis; Rockin' Sidney; Buckwheat Zydeco; and Queen Ida Lewis.

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zydeco

Form of dance music from southwestern Louisiana, U.S., with roots in French, African American, and Afro-Caribbean styles. Similar to the music of the Cajuns (displaced French Canadians who settled in Louisiana), zydeco was created by the Creoles (those of African heritage in Louisianan French culture). Its name is thought to come from a modified pronunciation of the French phrase les haricots (“the beans”) heard in a popular song. The music usually features guitar, accordion, fiddle (violin), and washboard played to a driving beat, but it may also include electric guitar, electric bass, saxophone, and keyboards. It became widely popular in the 1980s through the performances of Clifton Chenier, Queen Ida, Buckwheat Zydeco, Boozoo Chavis, and others.