In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Earl King and The Meters' intimitable hit 'Street Parade,' a song with an interesting history and musicianship behind it. "Every time you listen to 'Street Parade... Read more

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Rebirth Brass Band's most popular tune, 'Do Watcha Wanna,' with backstories from founding members Kermit Ruffins and Phil Frazier.  "All the neighborhood cats us... Read more

Read more

"The legendary Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans can be seen in all their splendor on Fat Tuesday, the one day of the year they're allowed to run wild in the streets from dawn to dark. But there's another Crescent City holiday, celebrated every March 19th, that brings the I... Read more

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into the Mardi Gras Indian classic, 'Indian Red,' a song with a storied history and a footnote as being one of the first Mardi Gras Indian recordings. In 1976, Big Chi... Read more

1) Let the good times roll; it's Mardi Gras time!!!! Tons of parades and raucous action to come between now and Tuesday. WWOZ is also spinning plenty of Mardi Gras music so tune in! Check out our recent Mardi Gras Indian coverage, as well.  2) WWOZ's video team is hitting ... Read more

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Wilson 'Willie Tee' Turbinton's and Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias song 'Handa Wanda' through conversations with the men, now both deceased. In 1969,... Read more

In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them. This episode delves into Wilson 'Willie Tee' Turbinton's and Big Chief Bo Dollis and the Wild Magnolias' song 'New Suit' through conversations with the writers, now both deceased. The men... Read more