Biography
John Hiatt & Roddie Romero is a collaborative pairing between acclaimed American singer-songwriter John Hiatt and Louisiana-based guitarist and vocalist Roddie Romero. Their partnership is most notably featured on the 2025 tribute album 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,' honoring the legendary Clifton Chenier. Hiatt, renowned for his roots-rock songwriting and soulful delivery, brings decades of Americana and blues experience, while Romero, a multi-instrumentalist deeply rooted in Cajun and zydeco traditions, infuses the collaboration with authentic Louisiana flavor.
The duo's work together highlights the intersection of Americana and Louisiana roots music, blending Hiatt's narrative songwriting with Romero's rhythmic, accordion-driven style. Their track 'You Used To Call Me,' featured on the tribute album, showcases their seamless musical chemistry and respect for zydeco heritage. The project, produced by Valcour Records, brought together a host of roots music luminaries and benefited the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship Fund, further cementing Hiatt and Romero's commitment to preserving and celebrating regional musical legacies.
While John Hiatt and Roddie Romero have independent careers, their collaboration on this tribute album stands as a testament to the enduring influence of zydeco and the power of cross-genre partnerships in American roots music.
Fun Facts
- The track 'You Used To Call Me' by John Hiatt & Roddie Romero was recorded at Maurice’s Dockside Studios in Louisiana, a hub for Cajun and zydeco music.
- All profits from the Clifton Chenier tribute album benefit the Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- The tribute album features an all-star lineup, including The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, and Taj Mahal, with Hiatt & Romero representing the Americana and Louisiana roots connection.
- Roddie Romero is known for his deep ties to the Acadiana music scene, while John Hiatt is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose songs have been covered by Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Clifton Chenier - Major stylistic influence, as the collaboration was created to honor his legacy and music. ('A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album) [2025]
Key Collaborators
- Sonny Landreth - Guitarist and fellow Louisiana roots musician who performed on the same tribute album track. ('You Used To Call Me' (Clifton Chenier tribute album)) [2025]
- Eric Adcock - Keyboardist in the core band for the tribute album sessions. ('A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album) [2025]
- Lee Allen Zeno - Bassist in the core band for the tribute album sessions. ('A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album) [2025]
- Jermaine Prejean - Drummer in the core band for the tribute album sessions. ('A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album) [2025]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Beneath This Gruff Exterior | 2003-05-06 | Album |
| Until Hell Freezes Over (Live San Francisco '87) | 2023-07-20 | Album |
| Live At The Warfield, San Francisco Jan. 24 1989 (Live Radio Broadcast) | 2017-06-09 | Album |
| Beneath This Gruff Exterior | 2003-05-06 | Album |
| Beneath This Gruff Exterior | 2003-05-06 | Album |
| Beneath This Gruff Exterior | 2003 | Album |
| Beneath This Gruff Exterior | 2003 | Album |
Top Tracks
- My Baby Blue (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- Window on the World (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- My Dog and Me (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- Circle Back (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- The Most Unoriginal Sin (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- How Bad's the Coffee (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- Almost Fed Up with the Blues (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- Missing Pieces (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- The Nagging Dark (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
- Fly Back Home (Beneath This Gruff Exterior)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
John Hiatt & Roddie Romero has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 22, 2025 | 12:55 | You used to call mefrom A tribute to the King of Zydeco | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen |