The Rolling Stones are once again proving that their love for American roots music runs deeper than most fans realize. Their latest recording, a spirited cover of Clifton Chenier’s “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales,” finds the rock legends celebrating the King of Zydeco’s 100th birthday in a way only they can. Featured on the upcoming Tribute to the King of Zydeco compilation, set for release on June 27, the track shows the Stones embracing Creole culture with energy and authenticity.
Stepping boldly outside their usual blues-rock lane, the Stones dive into zydeco rhythms and Creole French lyrics, aided by Louisiana accordion powerhouse Steve Riley. The band’s take on “Zydeco Sont Pas Sales” is a rollicking, rootsy performance that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends of the bayou.
The tribute album doesn’t stop there. It’s packed with appearances from Steve Earle, Jimmie Vaughan, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, and Taj Mahal, offering a full-blown celebration of Clifton Chenier’s enduring influence.
Mick Jagger recently opened up about how deeply Chenier’s music shaped him. “We first heard Clifton’s records around 1965 when we toured the States,” Jagger told Songlines. “The way he took blues songs and reshaped them into something totally new was thrilling.” Their first meeting, arranged by Lafayette saxophonist Dickie Landry in 1970, was pure comedy gold, with Chenier mistaking the Stones frontman for a reporter.
The Rolling Stones’ passion for Louisiana music has popped up time and again — from sharing stages with legends like Dr. John and Aaron Neville to impromptu zydeco shows they once paid $5 to see. Even their acclaimed Blue and Lonesome album paid homage to Louisiana native Little Walter.
“Zydeco Sont Pas Sales” marks the first new Stones recording since the international success of 2023’s Hackney Diamonds, following their 2020 pandemic-era single “Living in a Ghost Town.” Even better, proceeds from the Tribute to the King of Zydeco will benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ensuring that Chenier’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
While we wait for the full album release, why not revisit a classic? Here’s the Stones’ legendary Sticky Fingers (Remastered) album on Spotify:
The Stones aren’t just tipping their hats to history — they’re helping write its next chapter, one zydeco beat at a time.
