Kam Franklin, AJ Haynes, Roddie Romero

Biography

Kam Franklin, AJ Haynes, and Roddie Romero are acclaimed musicians who recently collaborated on the track “Why Did You Go Last Night” for the 2025 tribute album 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,' honoring legendary Louisiana musician Clifton Chenier. Each artist brings a distinct background rooted in Southern music traditions: Kam Franklin is best known as the dynamic lead vocalist of Houston’s The Suffers, celebrated for her powerful blend of soul, R&B, and Gulf Coast influences; AJ Haynes fronts the Shreveport-based Seratones, infusing rock and soul with her gospel upbringing; Roddie Romero, a Lafayette native, is a Grammy-nominated guitarist and leader of Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars, renowned for his mastery of Cajun, zydeco, and swamp pop styles.

Their careers have been shaped by deep connections to the musical heritage of the American South. Franklin’s expressive voice and advocacy for social justice have made her a prominent figure in contemporary soul, while Haynes’s energetic performances and songwriting reflect the intersection of gospel, blues, and rock. Romero, steeped in Louisiana’s rich musical culture, has spent decades preserving and evolving the zydeco and Cajun traditions, collaborating with numerous regional legends. Their joint contribution to the Clifton Chenier tribute album highlights their shared reverence for musical roots and their ability to reinterpret classic material for new audiences.

The legacy of these artists lies in their commitment to honoring and advancing the traditions of Southern music. By participating in high-profile collaborative projects and consistently pushing genre boundaries, Franklin, Haynes, and Romero have each inspired a new generation of musicians while keeping the spirit of their musical forebears alive.

Fun Facts

• The trio’s collaboration on 'Why Did You Go Last Night' was part of a star-studded tribute album that also featured The Rolling Stones, Lucinda Williams, and Taj Mahal[1][3][4].
• Kam Franklin is known for her activism and frequently speaks on issues of diversity and inclusion in the music industry.
• AJ Haynes is a trained opera singer who brings classical technique to her soul and rock performances.
• Roddie Romero has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards for his work preserving Louisiana’s Cajun and zydeco music traditions.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Clifton Chenier - Inspirational figure and subject of tribute; foundational influence on zydeco and Louisiana music (A Tribute to the King of Zydeco (2025)) [2020s]

Key Collaborators

• Kam Franklin - Co-vocalist on 'Why Did You Go Last Night' (A Tribute to the King of Zydeco (2025)) [2025]
• AJ Haynes - Co-vocalist on 'Why Did You Go Last Night' (A Tribute to the King of Zydeco (2025)) [2025]
• Roddie Romero - Guitarist and co-vocalist on 'Why Did You Go Last Night' (A Tribute to the King of Zydeco (2025)) [2025]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging Southern soul and roots musicians - Inspired by their genre-blending approach and commitment to musical heritage (Various regional projects and tribute albums) [2020s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Look at My Soul (Look at My Soul: The Latin Shade of Texas Soul)

External Links

• Spotify