Abbeville Musician Earns GRAMMY for Zydeco Tribute Album

Eric Adcock, a renowned South Louisiana musician, contributed to the award-winning 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Eric Adcock, a renowned South Louisiana musician, pianist, songwriter, and longtime Abbeville resident, played a key role in the GRAMMY-winning album 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco,' which honored the 100th birthday of Zydeco legend Clifton Chenier. The album, produced by a team including Joel Savoy of Valcour Records and Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, featured numerous notable Louisiana roots musicians as well as guest artists like The Rolling Stones, Jimmie Vaughan, and Lucinda Williams.

Why it matters

The album's GRAMMY win highlights the enduring legacy of Clifton Chenier, a pioneering Zydeco musician from Louisiana, and the vibrant musical culture of the region. Adcock's involvement as a local musician further connects the album to the Abbeville and Vermilion Parish communities, where much of the recording took place at the renowned Dockside Studio.

The details

Adcock contributed his skills on piano, Hammond B-3 organ, and backing vocals as part of the studio band called 'The Dockside All-Stars.' The album blended Louisiana roots musicians with featured artists to honor Chenier's incredible legacy, with all profits from album sales going to a new scholarship fund at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to support the study of Zydeco accordion.

  • The album 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' was released in 2025.
  • The album won the GRAMMY Award for 'Best Regional Roots Music Album' at the 2026 ceremony.

The players

Eric Adcock

A renowned South Louisiana musician, pianist, songwriter, and longtime Abbeville resident who contributed to the GRAMMY-winning 'A Tribute to the King of Zydeco' album.

Clifton Chenier

A pioneering Zydeco musician from Louisiana whose 100th birthday was honored by the album.

Joel Savoy

The producer from Eunice-based Valcour Records who worked on the album.

Steve Berlin

The producer from the legendary band Los Lobos who worked on the album.

John Leopold

The executive producer of the album.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you to the council for acknowledging this honor. I am a very proud citizen of Abbeville, Vermilion Parish, and Louisiana. To be able to make music to honor the legacy of Clifton Chenier is profound for me, and for our efforts to be recognized on the world stage, with the highest honor, is just humbling. We were able to honor the legacy of a tremendous musician, who laid the groundwork for an entire culture, worldwide.”

— Eric Adcock (Vermilion Today)

“The city is very proud of the local connection of one of our residents to the GRAMMY Award.”

— Brady Broussard Jr., Councilman (Vermilion Today)

What’s next

The newly established Clifton Chenier Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will begin accepting applications for students studying Zydeco accordion in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

This GRAMMY win for a tribute album honoring a pioneering Zydeco musician highlights the enduring musical legacy and vibrant culture of South Louisiana, as well as the important role that local musicians like Eric Adcock play in preserving and celebrating that heritage.