Zydeco Cajun music has its roots in pre-Civil War America, specifically in the Creole culture in southern Louisiana. A number of African-Americans adapted a variety of styles, creating the combination known today as zydeco. The term and style of zydeco is specifically said to stem from the area of Opelousas in Louisiana. The name is said to be French slang for "the beans."
The first recording of the style occurred in 1928 with the artist Amede Ardoin. His merging of traditional French music with various Creole styles heavily influenced future generations of performers. In 1954, the modern style of zydeco emerged with the influence of Boozoo Chavis. His recording of "Paper in My Shoe" also inspired the genre.
During the 1980s, the genre received national attention and became an accepted musical style. New Orleans developed into the center of the zydeco Cajun music movement.
Zydeco music stemmed from a variety of influences stretching all the way back to the 1700s. In 1724, the French government that controlled Louisiana established the Code Noir, a set of rules that defined the limitations and rights of slaves. This law effectively gave black slaves more rights than their British counterparts. A number of individuals began to use a variety of instruments to make music. The Creole community grew fast, but became highly limited with the United States' dominance following the Louisiana Purchase. Instruments and the music took on a more introspective feel and continued to develop over time.
Following the Civil War, other forms of music began to influence the Cajun and Creole sound. This included early forms of blues, jazz and gospel. From this combination, zydeco was born.
The rise in popularity of zydeco Cajun music coincided with the general rise and influence of the Cajun and Creole cultures throughout the United States. Following World War II and the Great Migration, many African-Americans brought their musical styles and food to major cities across America. As the culinary culture of Cajun and Creole foods stimulated the palate of many Americans, so did the interest in the music from southern Louisiana. Throughout the 20th century, zydeco slowly took hold of many musical formats, eventually becoming its own genre in the eyes of many music enthusiasts, including the Grammy Award Commission.
The first major star of zydeco music was Clifton Chenier. He was a French-speaking Creole from southern Louisiana. He became popular in the 1950s with a number of jazz and blues enthusiasts and eventually won a Grammy Award in 1983. In 1989, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, two years after his death.
By far the most popular artist in the history of zydeco Cajun music was accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco. Beginning as a funk performer in 1971, he quickly formed a new band and focused on the traditional musical style. During the 1980s, he signed a major deal with Island Records, famous for its work with both Bob Marley and U2.
The history of zydeco is most notable due to its inclusion of musical instruments that other genres generally ignore. The earliest players generally used guitars, fiddles and horns. However, during the early 20th century, the accordion became one of the signature instruments in the canon of zydeco. As music went electric by mid-century, drums and electric basses were commonplace.
The most prevalent instrument that makes a song fit into the zydeco genre, however, is the vest frottoir. Also known as the rubboard, it was designed by Clifton Chenier in 1946. Chenier's design is now housed at the Smithsonian, while nearly every zydeco band in the world has adapted the device for use on records and in performances.