The iconic Rolling Stones are set to captivate audiences once again with a surprising new track titled “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales.” This intriguing song features Creole French lyrics, a style made famous by zydeco legend Clifton Chenier, who hailed from Opelousas, Louisiana. Fans of the band and the genre alike will find this collaboration both unexpected and refreshing.

This exciting track will be part of the star-studded album Tribute to the King of Zydeco, which is scheduled for release on June 27. The album commemorates the centennial birthday of Clifton Chenier, showcasing the lasting influence of his music. Notably, the Grammy-nominated Louisiana accordion virtuoso Steve Riley will also feature on the Rolling Stones’ track, adding to its rich musical heritage. The album will also include contributions from notable artists such as Steve Earle, Jimmie Vaughan, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, and Taj Mahal, creating a diverse musical experience.

The Rolling Stones have a profound appreciation for Clifton Chenier and the vibrant music scene of Louisiana. Mick Jagger expressed this sentiment in an interview with Songlines, stating, “Clifton was a great influence on me.” He reminisced about discovering Chenier’s music around 1965 while visiting the United States, where they collected his records from the Arhoolie label. Jagger fondly recalls their first encounter with Chenier’s band in Los Angeles, admiring how Chenier infused his unique style into classic blues tunes.

READ MORE: Explore the Top 100 Rolling Stones Songs and their impact on music history.

A memorable connection between the Rolling Stones and Clifton Chenier was orchestrated by Lafayette saxophonist Dickie Landry. According to Michael Tisserand’s book Kingdom of Zydeco, this pivotal meeting occurred during a 1970 concert in South Central LA at intermission. Initial confusion ensued when Landry informed Chenier that Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones wanted to meet him. Chenier humorously replied, “That magazine – they did a good article on me,” illustrating his modesty and wit.

As the time approached for Chenier to return to the stage at the Verbum Dei High School Auditorium, an unexpected scene unfolded. “Suddenly, a crowd of fans approached with autograph papers,” Landry recalled, sharing the hilarity of the moment as Jagger stepped back, allowing the fans to rush past him to connect with Clifton instead.

Listen to Clifton Chenier’s ‘Zydeco Sont Pas Sales’ and immerse yourself in the sound of zydeco.

Exploring the Rolling Stones’ Profound Ties to Louisiana’s Music Legacy

Over the years, numerous Louisiana music legends such as Dr. John, Aaron Neville, Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural, and Michael Doucet have collaborated with the Rolling Stones in the studio, enriching their musical repertoire. Their 2016 album Blue and Lonesome featured three tracks by Little Walter, a native of Louisiana, showcasing the band’s deep-rooted appreciation for the state’s rich musical traditions.

The Rolling Stones have also taken time to honor zydeco legends like Boozoo Chavis and Beau Jocque, meeting them before a memorable concert at the Louisiana Superdome in 1994, where they paid a modest cover charge of $5. In a more recent festival appearance, they shared the stage with Dwayne Dopsie, a talented accordion player from Lafayette, performing “Let It Bleed” during the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, further emphasizing their ongoing connection to Louisiana’s musical heritage.

The release of “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales” marks the Rolling Stones‘ first new track since their international Top 5 success with the 2023 album Hackney Diamonds. Before that, they released the standalone single “Living in a Ghost Town” in 2020, showcasing their ability to evolve while honoring the past. Importantly, proceeds from A Tribute to the King of Zydeco will support a newly established Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ensuring that Chenier’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians.

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