I sound like a broken record, but Louisiana music should have its own category in the Grammys.
I’ve talked about this long shot for a long time. I know a Grammy category dedicated to one state would go over like a lead balloon with the other 49. Plus, years-long documentation of the possible category’s activity, new releases and availability are needed.
But a Bayou State Grammy would give other genres a fighting chance in the Best Regional Roots Album category.
The cover of the 2025 Clifton Chenier tribute album “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,” released by Valcour Records. The guest stars on the album include the Rolling Stones.
“A Tribute to the King of Zydeco” continued Louisiana’s domination with a victory last Sunday. The album features The Rolling Stones, Keith Frank, Charley Crockett, C. J. Chenier, Marcia Ball, Nathan Williams, Anthony Dopsie, Tommy McLain and other stars performing Clifton Chenier classics in honor of his 100th birthday. Joel Savoy’s Valcour Records, a studio in the country outside Eunice, produced the album. It’s the label’s second Grammy and 14th overall for Dockside Studio in Maurice, home of several recording sessions.
Louisiana was guaranteed to win Regional Roots. The other four nominees — Corey Henry, Preservation Brass, Kyle Roussell and Trombone Shorty — all hail from the state.
Since Regional Roots was established in 2012, Louisiana artists have won nine out of 15 times. The state flexed its musical muscle in 2024 when Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. and the Lost Bayou Ramblers with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra had a rare tie to win. It was another year when all the nominees were from Louisiana.
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews performs during the inauguration swearing-in ceremony for Mayor-elect Helena Moreno at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Sophia Germer, The Times-Picayune)
Regional Roots is a crowded category that includes zydeco, Cajun, New Orleans R&B/brass bands, swamp pop, Hawaii, Native American, polka and go-go music. Hawaiian artist Kalani Pe’a, a four-time winner, and Ranky Tank, a South Carolina band and two-time winner with traditional gullah music, are the only other victors.
Their victories show that other genres can have success. But some genres, which include descendants of America’s first music, have received little or no recognition.
Louisiana artists in their own Grammy category could allow the spotlight to shine on other genres in Regional Roots. Ironically, this state, with its endless talent in countless genres, could spark a repeat of one-sided representation.
C.J. Chenier and his wife Anita Chenier and their granddaughter Kelsey Arvie, 3, attend the mural unveiling which pays tribute to Zydeco musicians, Clifton and Cleveland Chenier, Friday, December 12, 2025 at The Funky Flea, in Sunset.The mural was designed and painted by Louisiana artists Liz and Jed Cornett.
A Louisiana Grammy remains a dream. But what a win that would be in a state overflowing with music achievements.
Herman Fuselier is executive director of the St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission. A longtime journalist covering Louisiana music and culture, he lives in Opelousas. His “Zydeco Stomp” show airs at noon Saturdays on KRVS 88.7 FM.
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