Congrats to our 2024 Ralph J. Gleason Award recipient on their GRAMMY win for the production of A Tribute to the King of Zydeco, honoring the work of the late, legendary zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier.
Joel Savoy, founder of the Louisiana-based label Valcour Records, and John Leopold, former Rex Foundation Board Member and the Executive Producer of the album, accepted the award for Best Regional Roots Music Album at the 68th GRAMMY Awards, celebrating a project rooted deeply in tradition, community, and legacy.
The mission of Eunice, LA, based Valcour Records and its founder, Joel Savoy, is “showcasing on the world stage the extraordinary talents born from the rich and diverse cultures of Louisiana.”
In keeping with that mission, The Ralph J. Gleason Award supportedthe production of a tribute album honoring the work of the late, legendary zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier as part of the centenary of his birth in June 2025. A Tribute to the King of Zydecofeatures such artists as the Rolling Stones, Taj Mahal, Steve Earle, Charley Crockett, Lucinda Williams, Jon Cleary, C.J. Chenier, Sonny Landreth, Nathan Williams, Tommy McClain, and Geno Delafose in a powerful showcase of Chenier’s music and influence.
