Clifton Chenier's 100th birthday: Music and memorabilia celebration
ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. (KLFY) --Clifton Chenier, known as the "King of Zydeco" and is the only Zydeco artist to win the lifetime achievement award at the Grammy's, is honored with a celebration.
As the late Chenier's 100th birthday quickly approaches on June 25, Zydeco events are planned across St. Landry Parish, Chenier's home.
Rod Sias with the Zydeco Historical and Preservation Society said while musicians play Chenier's music, the preservation society is campaigning and fundraising to immortalize him in the form of a stamp and a bronze statue in the city of Opelousas.
"We're going to kick off our commemorative stamp campaign." Sias said. "We're going to be petitioning the United States post office to do a commemorative stamp. We're still working on the commemorative statue, which we hope to unveil by the end of the year. So right now, we're just engaged in fundraising."
For those interested in donating and want more information click here.
Other events honoring Chenier include a tribute concert at the St. Landry Parish Visitor Center on June 28 with Chubby Carrier and Lil Jeff Boutte.
"One thing is that we can't be Clifton Chenier. But we want to be there to celebrate his life. We want his music to live forever. So that's where me and Jeff are going to come in." Carrier said.
"We want them to come and celebrate with us because, in Chubby's words, 'ain't nothin like a Chubby party.' Well, it's going to be a Chubby and Lil Jeff party. Celebrate for Clinton Chenier, for his party." Boutte added.
With Zydeco performances and fundraisers reminding the world of the impact of Chenier, his 100th birthday is looked at as the beginning of celebrating his legacy.