The Kingdom of Zydeco

There's a musical kingdom in the American South that's not marked on any map. Stretching from the prairies of Louisiana to the oil towns of East Texas, it is ruled over by accordion-squeezing, washboard-wielding musicians like Clifton Chenier, Buckwheat Zydeco, and Boozoo Chavis. This is the kingdom of zydeco.

With its African-Caribbean rhythms, Creole-French-English lyrics, and lively dance styles, zydeco is catching fire in the rest of America as well; it has influenced the music of Eric Clapton and Paul Simon, and has been played at Carnegie Hall. Now, in this remarkable and engrossing book, Michael Tisserand takes you back to zydeco's roots and introduces you to the people who have blended blues and Cajun influences into a flavorful musical stew that is winning new fans every day. This is about more than music; it's about a distinctive American culture that's explored and celebrated in a joyful, fascinating trip down the zydeco trail. Eh toi!