Draft:Corey Arceneaux

Corey Arceneaux (born November 24,1975) is an American Zydeco accordionist, singer, songwriter, arranger and composer. His music group is billed as Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers, established in 1992. He is also an award- winning radio air personality (popularly known as DJ Hot) simulcasted on Louisiana large market radio stations KFXZ 105.9 and KSLO 105.3.

Early Life
Arceneaux was born to a large Creole family based in Carencro, Louisiana, a small city in Lafayette parish. He started playing the accordion at age 10 under the tutelage of accordionist Clayton Sampy. Arceneaux crafted his skills by practicing on the family farm in Ossun, Louisiana, with the accompaniment of his cousin musician Shane Bernard, son of Rodney Bernard, Corey's great uncle and another Zydeco and Rock N' Roll musician. He also formed his first band while still in high school; and on November 22,1992, they performed their first gig at El Sido's Zydeco and Blues Club in Lafayette. Corey Arceneaux and the Zydeco Hot Peppers was chosen as "Best Up and Coming Band' in the 1994 Zydeco People's Choice Awards. Arceneaux is a member of one of Zydeco's first families, led by his late great uncle Fernest Arceneaux of Fernest and the Thunders, who was also known as the "New Prince of Accordion." His great grandfather and Fernest's father, Ferdinand Arceneaux, was also an accordionist who performed Creole "Lala" music (a predecessor of Zydeco) at house dances. Arceneaux also served as an altar boy for the funeral of Clifton Chenier at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette La.

Career
Corey and the Zydeco Hot Peppers has performed internationally and domestically – wowing dignitaries and crowds at special events, festivals, clubs and Mardi Gras balls through the years. As of 2023, they have recorded six studio albums. His latest studio project, "I've Been Country" came 30 years after his first release, "Hot Pepper" and it brings in various dance styles while sticking to his strong Creole roots.

Arceneaux's music is a creative blend of R&B, Blues and Country fortified with traditional Zydeco – his compositions reflect his culture and ancestors. Clifton Chenier,

Clifton Chenier the King of Zydeco, and Buckwheat Zydeco were his biggest influences. He grew up down the street from Buckwheat and is proud to have received mentorship from him.

In addition, Arceneaux has been a radio DJ for more than 30 years, which has allowed him to promote Zydeco and the Creole culture of Southwest Louisiana to a larger audience. Currently, he's on-air every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central time with his Hot Sauce Saturday show, which highlights Zydeco with other Louisiana favorites such as "swingout" and "southern soul."

Filmography
Zydeco Crossroads: A Tale of Two Cities (Documentary, directed by Robert Mugge) includes a performance by Corey Arceneaux

Awards and Honors
1994 Zydeco People Choice Awards Best Up and Coming Performer

2023 Lab (Louisiana Association of Broadcasters) Prestige Awards "Uniquely Louisiana-Radio Large Market" for Corey Arceneaux radio show Hot Sauce Saturday.

Discography

 * 2023 I've Been Country (H. Pepper Records)
 * 2009 Nu Band Nu Sound (H. Peppers Records)
 * 2008 20/20 (H. Pepper Records)
 * 2000 Tell My Why (H. Pepper Records)
 * 1996 Hit and Run (Jewel Records JC-5053)
 * 1994 Rockin Zydeco Party! Featured with various artist (Maison de Soul-1049)
 * 1993 Hot Pepper (Zydeco Hound Records)