zydeco [key], American musical form originating among the African-American Creoles of Louisiana. Drawing on elements of traditional Cajun music as well as jazz, country and western, blues, and rhythm and blues, it is characterized by French lyrics, Creole flavor, and strong dance rhythms. The most important and traditional instrument used in performing zydeco is the piano accordion. Other instruments often included in a zydeco band are the guitar, electric bass, saxophone, drums, and “rubboard” (washboard). Among the genre's better known performers are Clifton Chenier (1925–87), zydeco's best-known musician; Wilson Anthony “Boozoo” Chavis (1930–2001); Rockin' Sidney (Sidney Simien, 1938–98); Buckwheat Zydeco (Stanley Dural, Jr., 1947–2016); and Queen Ida (Ida Lewis Guillory, 1929–).
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