If you've ever been to Louisiana you have to know about Zydeco music. What was once a local rage has become pretty well known outside the bounds of Louisiana. Some friends of mine in Galena, IL, have a Zydeco band that just tears it up!

Zydeco evolved from early Creole musicial styles in the late 1800's, when the bands may have been two or three people singing in public. The name comes from the French les haricot - snap beans in English. Yes, it's an odd name, but so what? The fast-beat and accordion-accompanied music is fun to dance to, and even if you can't dance, no one cares! They are just too busy having fun!

OK, I don't speak French, past a few choice words I remember being shouted at me when I didn't cross a Parisian street quite fast enough, but that doesn't matter either. While Original Zydeco was all in French Creole, modern Zydeco can be in English as well. It's the feel of the music that matters.

By the way, for those who follow the Grammys, you'll know that Zydeco was recently given its own category for an award. The 2007 winner was Live! Worldwide by Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience.

Early stars of Zydeco in the age of recordings were seldom recorded, which I find sad. A study of the music would have shown a clear evolution of style, the addition of instruments and the growth of singing styles.

So, we just have to take it for granted that the musical style has grown over the decades. Below you'll find some links to Zydeco being performed by various bands. There are individuals who stand out in my mind as Stars of Zydeco, but I do not want to bias your opinion. So, suffice to say that it's the kind of music that allows for a lot of individual choice and style.

I will also say that I included some Zydeco bands I have not heard of, so don't think my picks are the ones I enjoy the most. The good thing for me is that I love all the Zydeco music I have heard, even when it seems to stray from the traditional forms. I guess that by evolving, it means that today's music may sound much different than yesterdays'!