Mick Jagger sings the song in French
On June 27th, Smithsonian Folkways, Arhoolie Records, and Valcour Records will release a limited edition vinyl 7-inch featuring a new recording of Clifton Chenier’s signature tune “Zydeco Sont Pas Salés” by The Rolling Stones, produced by acclaimed musician and songwriter CC Adcock. On the single’s flip side is Chenier’s version from his 1965 sessions with Arhoolie founder Chris Strachwitz, which offers a contrasting take on the rollicking shuffle heard on his debut album.
“Zydeco et Pas Salés” is a song with humble origins that gave its name to an entire musical tradition. Translating to snap beans 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, 60 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 anthem. Sung entirely in French by Mick Jagger (who has been a lifelong fan of Chenier since seeing him perform live in 1965) 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. Taken together, these two versions of the zydeco classic evidence the ways that the Black music at the heart of zydeco and rock – blues with its depth and grit, and R&B with its cadence and soul – have traversed the globe and united people and traditions.
The song is from the forthcoming compilation A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco, featuring Lucinda Williams, Taj Majal, Steve Earle, and more, out June 27th on Valcour Records.
