Corey Ledet Zydeco

Biography

Corey Ledet was born and raised in Houston, Texas, spending his summers in the small Creole community of Parks, Louisiana, where Zydeco music permeated daily life. His grandfather, Buchanan “Tbu” Ledet, a drummer who worked with Zydeco pioneer Clifton Chenier, provided his earliest musical lessons, instilling a deep connection to the genre's roots. By age ten, Ledet was drumming for Wilbert Thibodeaux and the Zydeco Rascals, and by twelve, he backed his aunt, Rosie Ledet, appearing on at least five of her albums between 1994 and 2000, including the breakout Zydeco Sensation (1997).[1][2][4]

In 2003, after high school graduation, Ledet moved to Louisiana full-time, transitioning from drums to accordion—the genre's signature instrument—and formed his band Corey Ledet Zydeco. His debut album 3 Years 2 Late (2004) marked his emergence, blending tradition with innovation. He collaborated with Cedric Watson on Goin’ Down to Louisiana (2006) and earned a Grammy nomination for Nothin’ But the Best (2012), solidifying his status as a modern Zydeco leader. Ledet studied originators like Clifton Chenier, John Delafose, and Boozoo Chavis, mastering various accordions and infusing old and new styles into his high-energy, dance-driven sound.[1][3][4]

Ledet's career highlights include Grammy experiences, international tours like Russia, and recent projects reclaiming Louisiana Creole language (Kouri-Vini) on albums like Médikamen (2023), produced with Louis Michot and featuring guests such as Anders Osborne and Kermit Ruffins. His music preserves Zydeco's Creole heritage while evolving it for new audiences, maintaining a strong presence on the Louisiana-Texas dance scene.[3][5]

Fun Facts

• Ledet's grandfather Buchanan “Tbu” Ledet contributed the 'Double Clutch' beat to Zydeco while playing with Clifton Chenier, drawing from jazz, ragtime, and syncopation.[1][3]
• At age 10, on a family trip back from Louisiana, Ledet bought a toy accordion at 'The Best Stop' boudin stand, sparking his interest in the instrument despite initial dislike.[3]
• He attended the Grammys for his 2012 nomination, sitting near Jay-Z, John Legend, and Taylor Swift, calling it a surreal career highlight.[3]
• Ledet performed his first show outside the US in Russia, where his band was warmly received.[4]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Buchanan “Tbu” Ledet - Grandfather and early musical teacher/drummer (Worked with Clifton Chenier, developed 'Double Clutch' beat) [Childhood]
• Clifton Chenier - Zydeco pioneer and stylistic influence via grandfather (Zydeco originator on piano accordion) [Early influences]
• John Delafose - Studied as Zydeco originator (Zydeco classics) [Early career]
• Boozoo Chavis - Studied as Zydeco originator (Zydeco classics) [Early career]

Key Collaborators

• Rosie Ledet - Aunt and backing band drummer (Five albums including Zydeco Sensation (1997)) [1994-2000]
• Wilbert Thibodeaux and the Zydeco Rascals - Drummer at age 10 (Live shows) [Age 10 (~1990s)]
• Cedric Watson - Band collaboration (Goin’ Down to Louisiana (2006)) [2006]
• Louis Michot - Producer (Corey Ledet Zydeco, Médikamen) [Recent]
• Lee Allen Zeno - Studio musician from Buckwheat Zydeco (Recording project) [Recent]
• Anders Osborne - Guest on album (Médikamen) [2023]
• Kermit Ruffins - Guest on album (Médikamen) [2023]

External Links

• Spotify