“Zydeco et Pas Salés” is a song with humble origins that gave its name to an entire musical tradition. Translating to snapbeans and no salt, a reference to the hardships of rural poverty, the song had a long history in the Louisiana countryside before it became a signature hit for Clifton Chenier, known as the King of Zydeco. With just his voice, accordion, washboard, and drums, Chenier fuses blues and R&B with the Creole and Cajun music bedrock of South Louisiana to create music that moves you. Now, sixty years after Chenier first recorded it, The Rolling Stones give the song their signature treatment. “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” turns the accordion-driven classic into a rapturous rock’n’roll anthem. Sung entirely in French by Mick Jagger and featuring the spirited playing of iconic Louisiana accordionist Steve Riley, the Stones pay tribute to one of their musical heroes by capturing the whole-hearted euphoria of Chenier’s performances.
“Zydeco Sont Pas Salés,” meaning snapbeans and no salt, reflects the struggles of rural Louisiana life. This song, a cornerstone of zydeco music, was popularized by Clifton Chenier, the King of Zydeco. With his accordion, washboard, and drums, Chenier blended blues, R&B, Creole, and Cajun sounds into a vibrant South Louisiana style. Now, The Rolling Stones reimagine this classic as a addition to their covers of blues and country classics, sung in French by Mick Jagger and featuring Louisiana accordionist Steve Riley, honoring Chenier’s joyful spirit.
This limited edition 7” single includes the Stones’ dynamic version on the South side and Chenier’s 1965 recording on the North side, showcasing the shared roots of zydeco and rock’n’roll in blues and R&B.
Celebrate Clifton Chenier’s 100th birthday with Smithsonian Folkways’ new box set at cliftonchenier.bandcamp.com/album/king-of-louisiana-blues-and-zydeco.
Physical-Only Sale: Available exclusively as a 45 RPM vinyl record. No digital versions.