Interview: Corey Ledet

KGNU’s Dan Willging spoke with acclaimed Louisiana zydeco musician Corey Ledet about his powerful new live album, Corey Ledet & Black Magic Live in Alaska. Ledet shared the story behind recording the project at the Anchorage Folk Festival, where enthusiastic audiences embraced his high-energy blend of zydeco, funk, blues, and Creole music. The conversation explored Ledet’s musical roots, the influence of legends like Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco, and his belief in expanding zydeco beyond traditional boundaries. Ledet also discussed his dedication to preserving and learning Kouri-Vini, the Louisiana Creole language spoken in his family for generations. Along the way, he reflected on improvisation, cultural identity, and the advice from Buckwheat Zydeco that convinced him to keep pursuing music when times were tough. (Air Date 2/26/26)