For this week’s Rockin’ Friday selection, I made a choice
related to the big holiday that occurred earlier this week. No, not Valentine’s
Day. Mardi Gras! This past Tuesday was Fat Tuesday and though I personally celebrate
that about once a week, this was the big one in New Orleans kicking off the
pre-Lent festivities.
Iko Iko is a
classic New Orleans song about two tribes battling during Mardi Gras. One tribe’s
“spy boy” threatens to set the other’s flag on fire, among other fun
activities. Though the song dates back to the mid 1950s, the chorus “Jockamo
fino a na ne….” dates back much further and its meaning is not really known.
Iko Iko has been
covered by many artists over the years and appeared in countless movies and TV
shows. One great scene in Rain Man
features it playing when Dustin Hoffman is playing Blackjack in Vegas, and
winning big.
The most famous version of Iko
is by the Dixie Cups, who recorded it by accident in the 1960s. The band
started harmonizing a capella while in the studio one day and didn’t realize
that they were being recorded. The producers added some basic rhythm and turned
it into a big hit.
Here's a great version led by Nawlins native Dr. John, with a Hall of Fame supporting cast:
What's your favorite version of Iko Iko or Mardi Gras themed music?
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