Zydeco Forever
Zydeco is a distinct musical from Southwest Louisiana with both French Creole and American roots and with strong ties to the blues. The music tends to be lively and fast with a pulsating rhythm for dancing. Besides vocals, the primary instrument for zydeco is the accordion. Zydeco also features the use of a scrub/rub board together with percussion, guitar, keyboards, or other instruments. The music is usually but not always performed by African Americans and is sung either in French Creole or English.
"Louisiana's Zydeco" (2013) a new book in the Images of America series of photographic local histories offers an introduction to zydeco and its performers. The book's author, Sherry Broussard, resides in southwest Louisiana and works actively in presenting the African American history of the area. Zydeco makes a highly appropriate subject for a book in this series as it is a highly regional type of American music that has gained a national and international following. It shows both a particular and a general aspect of America. Several zydeco performers have won Grammy Awards.
"Zydeco Forever", a title of a chapter of the book, captures the enthusiasm Broussard brings to her subject. The book does not present a history of the music. Instead, it has a down-home, distinctly local feel as Broussard offers photographs, most of which include accordions, of zydeco musicians, and scenes of clubs, farms, and towns in southwest Louisiana. Broussard emphasizes the local character of the music as many families have performed it for generations In southwest Louisiana, Zydeco is played at parties, festivals, small clubs, fundraisers, church socials as well as for larger occasions with many people. . Broussard also offers many photographs of zydeco festivals with large crowds simply enjoying the music or, more often, dancing. The music demands dancing.
The texts accompanying the photos provide biographical information and references to some of the performer's most characteristic songs. Most of the book is arranged chronologically and it begins in the 1950s with many photographs of Clifton Chenier, the universally-recognized "King of Zydeco". But other musicians from the early days, famous and obscure, also are covered including Amede Adoin, Boozoo Chavis, Rockin' Doopsie, and Rockin' Sidney, among others.
A chapter called "The Middle Years" continues the story through the 1980s -- 1990s showcasing performers such as Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas, C.J. Chernier, the son of Clifton Chernier, Beau Jocque, and more. Although most zydeco musicians are men, Broussard offers an excellent chapter on "the Women of Zydeco" including the Grammy Award winning Queen Ida, and performers such as the "Zydeco Diva" Donna Angelle, the charismatic Ann Goodly, and Rosie Ledet, the "Sweetheart of Zydeco."
In her "Zydeco Forever" chapter, Broussard showcases rising young performers. In her concluding chapter, Broussard shows the impact of zydeco on local events involving horseback riding and wagons known as "trail rides".
I first read this short book straight through. I then went back to the book and supplemented my reading listening to recordings of some of the zydeco artists that are covered. Many wonderful zydeco recordings are, of course, easily accessible on media.
Broussard's book will have its strongest appeal to readers who love zydeco and want a collection of photographs of the artists and their surroundings. The book can also be used as a finding tool for those with less familiarity with zydeco. It offers a good introduction to the music and its performers which can be supplemented by listening to this unique locally American music.
