http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6488&rws=%2Fclifton-chenier%2Fmusic-videos.rssA French-speaking native of Opelousas, La., Clifton Chenier's first break in the music biz came in 1954 when Elko Records released "Clifton's Blues," which became a big regional hit. Over the next three decades, Chenier's accordion-accompanied singing made him the definitive ambassador of zydeco -- a swampy, two-stepping blend of cajun, creole, RnB and blues traditions -- and one of the most influential artists of the region. An appearance on the PBS show <i>Austin City Limits</i> in 1976 led to an explosion of interest in his music, and Chenier won a Grammy for his 1982 album <i>I'm Here</i>. He died of diabetes-related kidney disease in 1987, but his legacy lives on in the music of his son, C.J. Chenier, his many singular recordings and his label, Alligator Records. - Nate CavalieriCajun/Zydecoen720Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:58:29 -0800 http://static.realone.com/rotw/images/logo_rhapsody_113x22.gif http://www.rhapsody.com/goto?rcid=art.6488&rws=%2Fclifton-chenier%2Fmusic-videos.rss A French-speaking native of Opelousas, La., Clifton Chenier's first break in the music biz came in 1954 when Elko Records released "Clifton's Blues," which became a big regional hit. Over the next three decades, Chenier's accordion-accompanied singing made him the definitive ambassador of zydeco -- a swampy, two-stepping blend of cajun, creole, RnB and blues traditions -- and one of the most influential artists of the region. An appearance on the PBS show <i>Austin City Limits</i> in 1976 led to an explosion of interest in his music, and Chenier won a Grammy for his 1982 album <i>I'm Here</i>. He died of diabetes-related kidney disease in 1987, but his legacy lives on in the music of his son, C.J. Chenier, his many singular recordings and his label, Alligator Records. - Nate Cavalieri