A well-known Zydeco musician was presented the key to the city of Opelousas. CJ Chenier, son of "Zydeco King" Clifton Chenier, was honored as part of the eighth annual Music & Market concert series.
The sounds of Clifton Chenier are familiar to anyone who's grown up around the sounds of Zydeco music. But no one is more familiar with the king of Zydeco than his son.
"The key to playing Zydeco to me started way back in the day when I was playing with my daddy. I started traveling with him, and I started noticing how much fun everybody had. It didn't matter the age or who they danced with. Everybody was just having a good time and I fell in love with the audience," says CJ Chenier, son of Clifton Chenier.
CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band playing for dozens that came out to see and hear the man carrying on the legacy of his father.

"It is a plus for us to be able to come together like this. In where the birth of zydeco happened to take place, which is right here in St. Landry Parish. So how can it get any better than this," says Chenier.
Chenier was presented the key to the City of Opelousas, because according to Mayor Donald Cravins, Chenier has been a key figure in spreading the sounds and the spirit of St. Landry Parish.
"I'm excited about hearing him. I can remember 20 years ago, him playing as a young man. He went all over the world and has done very well for himself. I think people are going to be in for a real treat tonight. He's got a unique kind of sound, that will make people dance, and if they're not dancing you need to check their pulse because something is wrong," says Donald Cravins, Mayor of the City of Opelousas.
"One thing I always know about Zydeco music is that it didn't have any color barriers, any race barriers, or any age barriers. It's always just good time, let's have a good time music," says Chenier.