Clifton Chenier

Clifton Chenier was the undisputed king of zydeco music, the rousing black Creole party music that, influenced by Cajun music, mixes blues, French folk tunes, country, New Orleans R&B, and rock & roll. Wearing a jeweled crown and flashing his gold tooth onstage, Chenier pumped his chrome-studded accordion and sang in Creole French and English; he also played the harmonica, piano, and organ.

He...