From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Zydeco (French: "les haricots", English: "snap beans") is a form of American roots or folk music, that evolved from the jure during the late 1800s call and response vocal music of the black and multiracial French speaking Creoles of south and southwest Louisiana. Usually fast-tempo, and dominated by the button or piano accordion and a form of a washboard known as a rub-board or frottoir, zydeco music was originally created at house dances where the blacks and free people of color of south Louisiana would gather for socializing. As the Creoles further established their communities and worshiped separately as well, the music moved to the Catholic church community center and then later to the rural dance halls and nightclubs. As a result, the music integrated waltzes, shuffles, two-steps, blues, rock and roll, and most dance music forms of the era. Today, the tradition of change and evolution in the music continues always keeping relevant while integrating even more genres like reggae, urban hip-hop, R&B, soul, brass band, ska, rock, Afro-Caribbean and other styles in addition to the traditional forms.
Today, because of the migration of the French speaking blacks and multiracial Creoles, mixing of Cajun and Creole musicians, and the warm embrace of people from outside these cultures, there are multiple hotbeds of zydeco: Louisiana, Texas, Oregon and California, and even Europe as far North as Scandinavia. It is a genre that a has become synonymous with the cultural and musical identity of Louisiana and an important part of the music landscape of this country as one black southern music tradition that is loved worldwide. It is performed for presidents and celebrities, seen in film and heard advertising everything from autos to toothpaste to antacids, pharmaceuticals and candy bars. Rolling Stone, The Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine and dozens of other print media have featured it. It is heard on radio all over the world. It's performed at festivals, schools, performing art centers and large corporate events.
The Zydeco Rubboard (Frottoir) is recognized around the world as a cultural icon of Louisiana. The impact of zydeco music inside southwest Louisiana, outside Louisiana and around the world is growing rapidly. There are zydeco festivals throughout America and Europe. Zydeco music is played on radio stations around the world and on Internet radio.
On June 7, 2007, The Recording Academy (NARAS) announced a new Grammy category, Best Zydeco or Cajun Music Album, in its folk music field.
People often ask what the difference is between Cajun, Creole, and zydeco music-check out these links to learn more about it all:
Horace Trahan "Mr. Bernard"Video:
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys Video-Promo:
Bon Temps Social Club of San Diego
Zydeco Lessons at Just Dance Ballroom
2500 Embarcadero, Oakland,Ca.
Zydeco Dance Lessons for your Party or Corporate Event!
For More Information Call 925 819 2026
To order your Basic "HOW TO ZYDECO" Dance DVD
send $10 to: Ted Sherrod 10767 Jamacha Blvd sp64
Spring Valley, Ca. 91978
