C.J. Chenier Biography

Overview

Biography

Songs

Similar Artists

Music

Step It Up

Too Much Fun

The Big Squeeze

My Baby Don't Wear No Shoes

28 September 1957, Port Arthur,Texas, USA. C.J. is the son of the "king of zydeco", Clifton Chenier. He began playing saxophone while at school, but grew up knowing little about Louisiana zydeco music, and he spoke English at home. However, he learned quickly when he became a member of his father's band, replacing saxophonist John Hart. He recorded with his father and around 1984 he began to play accordion, graduating to opening shows as his father's health deteriorated. When his father died, he left his accordion to C.J., who has since recorded under his own name and rapidly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the blues and zydeco market.

Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.