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Iko Iko

"Iko Iko" is a traditional New Orleans R&B song originating from the call-and-response chants of Black Mardi Gras Indian tribes, which evolved into a pop standard after being recorded in various forms since the 1950s.^[1] The song's lyrics, delivered in a mix of English, Louisiana Creole patois, and invented words, narrate a playful confrontation between two parading Indian tribes during Carnival season, with one tribe's "spy boy" challenging the other's "flag boy."^[1] Its infectious rhythm and nonsensical refrain have made it an enduring anthem of New Orleans culture, symbolizing the city's vibrant street parade traditions.^[2] The song's roots trace back to mid-20th-century Mardi Gras Indian practices, where tribes used chants like "Iko Iko" as victory calls and "Jock-A-Mo" to woo admirers or signal during mock battles.^[3] It was first commercially recorded in 1953 by New Orleans musician James "Sugar Boy" Crawford and his Cane Cutters under the title "Jock-A-Mo," a track that blended R&B with Indian influences but achieved only local success.^[2] Crawford drew directly from overheard chants during parades, adapting them into a structured song about a parade clash between two tribes.^[4] The recording, released on the Checker label, featured a lively piano-driven arrangement that captured the festive energy of New Orleans street culture.^[1] "Iko Iko" gained national and international prominence in 1965 through a cover by the Bronx-based girl group the Dixie Cups, who retitled it and released it on Red Bird Records.^[5] Produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and featuring Barbara Hawkins, Rosa Hawkins, and Joan Johnson, the version reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, introducing the song's exuberant vibe to a broader audience.^[4] The Dixie Cups' rendition, recorded spontaneously during a session break, emphasized handclaps and harmonious vocals, amplifying its party-like appeal.^[6] Legal disputes over authorship followed, with credits eventually shared among Crawford and the Hawkins sisters, highlighting the song's folkloric evolution.^[2] Since then, "Iko Iko" has been covered extensively, influencing genres from rock to reggae and becoming a staple at Mardi Gras celebrations.^[3] Notable versions include Dr. John's 1972 funk-infused take, which peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the Belle Stars' 1982 new wave adaptation that peaked at number 35 in the UK.^[1] Its cultural significance lies in preserving African American and Native American-inspired traditions within New Orleans' multicultural heritage, often performed by Mardi Gras krewes to foster community and rivalry in a celebratory context.^[5] The song's ambiguous lyrics—where phrases like "jock-a-mo fi na na" may derive from Choctaw, French, or Yoruba influences—continue to spark interpretations, underscoring its role as a vessel for oral history and improvisation.^[7]

Origins

Mardi Gras Indian Traditions

The Mardi Gras Indians are African American carnival organizations in New Orleans, formed in the late 19th century as a unique subculture blending West African rhythmic traditions, Native American aesthetics, and Creole cultural elements.^[8] These groups, organized into "tribes," emerged in Black neighborhoods as a parallel celebration to the city's dominant white Mardi Gras krewes, allowing participants to express resilience and creativity amid segregation.^[9] The traditions evolved from enslaved Africans' adaptations of Native American customs, which served as both homage and disguise to evade racial oppression during Carnival season; Native tribes in the region had historically sheltered runaway slaves, inspiring Black maskers to don elaborate feathered suits and adopt indigenous-inspired rituals.^[10] By the early 20th century, these practices solidified into structured tribe parades featuring call-and-response chants, percussion with tambourines and bass drums, and ritualized confrontations between rival groups.^[11] In these encounters, roles such as the "spy boy"—a forward scout who detects approaching rivals through dance and signals—and the "flag boy," who communicates with large banners, heighten the theatrical tension without physical violence.^[12] Annual second-line parades, following brass bands through neighborhoods during the Carnival season, became key venues for these traditions, where tribes compete in displays of craftsmanship and spirit.^[13] It was in these early 20th-century processions that chants like "Iko Iko," a victory call shouted upon triumph, and "Jock-A-Mo," a battle chant used to challenge opponents, originated as integral parts of the oral repertoire.^[1] These elements later influenced musical recordings, such as Sugar Boy Crawford's adaptation of "Jock-A-Mo."^[1]

Sugar Boy Crawford's "Jock-A-Mo"

James "Sugar Boy" Crawford (October 12, 1934 – September 15, 2012), born James Crawford Jr. in New Orleans, emerged as a key figure in the city's R&B scene. Growing up in the vibrant local music environment, he honed his vocal talents singing in his Baptist church choir and was influenced by the rhythm and blues sounds permeating the Crescent City during the mid-20th century.^[14] In 1953, at age 19, Crawford composed "Jock-A-Mo," drawing from Mardi Gras Indian chants he had heard in New Orleans traditions to create a rhythmic song blending R&B with cultural elements. The track was recorded that November at Cosimo Matassa's renowned J&M Studio on North Rampart Street, backed by his band the Cane Cutters, including guitarist Snooks Eaglin, saxophonist Lee Allen, and drummer Eric Warner.^[15]^[16]^[17]^[18] Released in early 1954 on Checker Records—a subsidiary of the Chicago-based Chess Records label—"Jock-A-Mo" featured lyrics narrating a confrontational encounter between two Mardi Gras Indian "tribes" during a parade, capturing the competitive spirit of New Orleans Carnival culture. The single earned strong local popularity as a regional hit in New Orleans but faced significant national limitations due to pervasive racial barriers in the music industry's distribution networks at the time.^[3]^[16] Following the breakthrough success of the Dixie Cups' 1965 adaptation, Crawford's original "Jock-A-Mo" was reissued, helping to renew interest in his version and solidifying its place in New Orleans musical history.^[19]

The Dixie Cups Version

Recording and Release

The Dixie Cups, a girl group from New Orleans consisting of sisters Barbara Ann Hawkins, Rosa Lee Hawkins (died 2022), and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson (died 2016), formed in 1964 and were soon signed to Red Bird Records by producers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.^[20] In late 1964, during a recording session in a New York studio for another track, the group began improvising "Iko Iko" as a warm-up, drawing inspiration from James "Sugar Boy" Crawford's 1953 recording "Jock-A-Mo." Leiber and Stoller, who were producing the session, captured the performance on tape without the group's initial knowledge and decided to develop it into a full single, adding minimal instrumentation such as handclaps, tambourine, and bass for a simple, rhythmic sound.^[21]^[1] The title was changed from "Jock-A-Mo" to "Iko Iko" to better suit a pop audience, while the lyrics preserved the core theme of a confrontation between Mardi Gras parade tribes but were streamlined for clarity and catchiness.^[16] The single was released in March 1965 on Red Bird Records, with "I'm Gonna Get You Yet" as the B-side, and quickly attracted radio attention as a novelty number due to its playful, nonsensical Creole phrases and upbeat energy.^[22]^[23]

Commercial Success

The Dixie Cups' version of "Iko Iko," released in early 1965, marked a significant commercial breakthrough for the group following their earlier hit "Chapel of Love." The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1965 and peaked at number 20, maintaining a position on the chart for 10 weeks.^[21] It simultaneously reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, underscoring its appeal within both pop and rhythm-and-blues audiences.^[24] Internationally, "Iko Iko" achieved moderate success, entering the UK Singles Chart and peaking at number 23 while spending several weeks in the top 40.^[25] In Canada, it climbed to number 26 on the RPM Top Singles chart.^[26] The track's playful, chant-like structure helped it cross over from R&B roots into broader pop markets, contributing to the vibrant girl group era of the mid-1960s. Media exposure amplified its reach, including a live performance on the influential ABC television program American Bandstand on April 17, 1965, which aired as the song was ascending the charts.^[21] This appearance, alongside radio airplay, solidified "Iko Iko" as a cultural touchstone, blending New Orleans traditions with national pop accessibility and influencing subsequent covers in the genre.

Authorship Disputes

The authorship of "Iko Iko" sparked multiple legal battles following the Dixie Cups' 1965 hit version, primarily revolving around claims of derivation from earlier traditions and studio improvisations. Initially, songwriting credit was attributed solely to the group's members—sisters Barbara Ann Hawkins and Rosa Lee Hawkins, along with their cousin Joan Marie Johnson—reflecting the track's origins in an unscripted studio session where the women drew on New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian chants and ad-libbed elements, including Barbara Hawkins' contributions to the rhythmic and vocal improvisation.^[21] James "Sugar Boy" Crawford, who released a version titled "Jock-A-Mo" in 1953 under his group the Cane Cutters, contested the Dixie Cups' recording as an unauthorized adaptation of his work. Crawford maintained in interviews that he composed the song by adapting two authentic Mardi Gras Indian chants he encountered during Carnival processions: "Iko Iko" as a victory call and "Jock-A-Mo" as a battle cry. He initiated legal action against the Dixie Cups and Red Bird Records, arguing substantial similarity between the tracks. The dispute concluded in a 1967 out-of-court settlement, granting Crawford a portion of performance royalties—reportedly around 50% for public airplay and similar uses—but denying him songwriting credit at that stage.^[18]^[21] Additional controversy emerged in the 1970s when the Dixie Cups' manager, Joe Jones, asserted co-authorship and secured a copyright registration in his favor, limiting the group's royalties. The trio sued Jones in 2002 in U.S. District Court in New Orleans, alleging fraud in his claims to the song's creation. A federal jury sided with the Dixie Cups, affirming their exclusive songwriting rights, though the trial judge declared a mistrial; on appeal, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict and imposed sanctions on Jones, solidifying the group's control over credits. This ruling indirectly supported broader recognition of the song's composite origins, including Crawford's foundational role.^[27] As a result of these resolutions, contemporary songwriting credits for "Iko Iko" list James Crawford alongside Barbara Ann Hawkins, Rosa Lee Hawkins, and Joan Marie Johnson, ensuring equitable royalty shares across covers and adaptations. This adjustment has shaped income streams for subsequent recordings, from Dr. John's 1972 version to modern revivals, emphasizing the song's layered cultural and creative inputs.^[28]

Other Versions

Dr. John Recording

Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., known professionally as Dr. John, was a renowned New Orleans pianist and singer-songwriter whose music blended elements of rhythm and blues with voodoo mysticism and Creole traditions, drawing from his deep roots in the city's musical heritage.^[29] Dr. John's adaptation of "Iko Iko" appeared as the opening track on his 1972 album Dr. John's Gumbo, a collection of New Orleans standards that showcased his piano-driven arrangements infused with authentic bayou funk and Creole rhythms.^[30]^[31] The recording emphasized a loose, swinging groove that captured the song's Mardi Gras Indian origins through Rebennack's distinctive Cajun-inflected vocals and spirited piano work, reflecting the track's evolution from local chant to popular staple following the Dixie Cups' 1965 hit.^[32]^[33] Released as a single in March 1972 on Atco Records, with a medley of Huey "Piano" Smith tunes on the B-side, "Iko Iko" achieved modest commercial success, peaking at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.^[34]^[35] Critics praised the version for its affectionate authenticity and joyful reclamation of New Orleans musical traditions, though its chart performance was limited compared to the song's earlier pop breakthrough.^[36]^[30] Dr. John later reissued live renditions of the track, including energetic performances with collaborators that preserved its festive spirit in concert settings.^[37]

The Belle Stars Cover

The Belle Stars, a British all-female pop/rock band formed in 1980 from members of the earlier ska outfit The Bodysnatchers, infused their version of "Iko Iko" with a lively ska revival style blended with pop sensibilities. Emerging from the 2 Tone scene, the group—consisting of vocalist Jennie Matthias (later McKeown), lead guitarist Sarah-Jane Owen, rhythm guitarist Stella Barker, bassist Lesley "Blues" Sharrock, keyboardist Judy Cheeks, baritone saxophonist Miranda Joyce, and drummer Penny Kok, with occasional additions like Clare Hirst on alto saxophone—aimed to update classic tracks for a contemporary audience. Their cover revitalized the song's New Orleans parade roots through energetic rhythms and group vocals, marking an early step in their shift from pure ska to broader pop appeal.^[38]^[39] Produced by Brian Tench, the track featured an upbeat tempo, brassy horn sections, and layered female harmonies that emphasized the song's call-and-response structure, capturing the band's dynamic live energy in a studio setting. Recorded in 1982, it appeared on their self-titled debut album The Belle Stars, released the following year on Stiff Records, which showcased a mix of covers and originals highlighting their versatile sound. This version retained the playful, rhythmic essence of the original while adding a polished, danceable edge suited to the early 1980s UK music scene.^[40]^[41] Issued as a single in May 1982 on Stiff Records, "Iko Iko" achieved moderate success, peaking at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart in June and reaching number 7 on the ARIA Singles Chart in 1989.^[42]^[43] The release helped establish their presence amid the post-punk and new wave landscape, though it was overshadowed by later hits like "Sign of the Times."^[42] The accompanying music video, directed by David Kellogg and filmed in London, depicted the band in vibrant, colorful outfits marching and performing in a stylized street parade, evoking the song's festive Mardi Gras theme through choreographed dances and urban settings. It received rotation on MTV, boosting the single's visibility and aligning with the era's growing emphasis on visual media for pop promotion.^[44]

Natasha Adaptation

Natasha England, a Scottish pop singer active in the 1980s, recorded a cover of "Iko Iko" that transformed the original into an energetic pop-dance track with prominent synthesizer elements and a focus on rhythmic vocals suited for club environments. Released as a single in 1982 under the production of Tom Newman, the version retained the song's call-and-response structure while incorporating electronic beats and adapted lyrics to enhance its dance appeal.^[45]^[46] The single appeared on Towerbell Records in the UK and was also distributed in Scandinavia through local labels, contributing to its regional popularity in Nordic countries. It achieved a peak position of number 10 on the UK Official Singles Chart, becoming England's highest-charting release. An extended 12-inch mix was produced specifically for dance floors, featuring longer instrumental breaks to support DJ mixing.^[47]^[48]^[49] England's adaptation exemplified the era's trend toward international reinterpretations of American classics, blending traditional elements with contemporary European pop production to appeal to club and radio audiences across the continent.^[50]

Captain Jack Remix

Captain Jack, a German Eurodance project formed in 1995 and fronted by vocalist Franky Gee, is renowned for its military-themed hits such as "Captain Jack" and "Drill Instructor." The group's 2001 cover of "Iko Iko" exemplifies the evolution of the song's covers into electronic genres, transforming the original's rhythmic chant into a high-energy Eurodance track featuring rap verses, pulsating electronic beats, and Latin-infused samples.^[51] The remix was produced for Beatdisaster Records and appeared on Captain Jack's third studio album, Top Secret, released in 2001 by Cologne Dance Label and ePark.^[52] It was issued as a maxi-single with multiple mixes, including the Radio/Video Mix (3:13), Hello Africa Club Mix (4:38), and Viva España Club Mix (4:58), blending Europop, house, and reggaeton elements to create a club-oriented sound.^[53] Released in May 2001, the single achieved moderate success in Europe, peaking at number 22 on the German Singles Chart for 12 weeks and number 16 on the Austrian Singles Chart for 14 weeks.^[54]^[55] Its upbeat production and catchy hooks made it a staple in European dance clubs during the early 2000s.^[56]

Justin Wellington Revival

Justin Wellington, a Papua New Guinean singer known for blending pop, reggae, R&B, dancehall, and island music, released an adaptation of "Iko Iko" titled "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" featuring the Solomon Islands duo Small Jam on June 3, 2019. The track reimagines the original with an upbeat, feel-good vibe, incorporating a modern lyric twist where the traditional "jock-a-mo" phrase is replaced by "my bestie," emphasizing themes of friendship and celebration around a fire. This version draws on Wellington's island roots while infusing contemporary pop elements, creating an infectious rhythm suitable for global dance trends. The song initially garnered modest attention but exploded in popularity during the summer of 2021 through viral TikTok challenges, where users created dance videos highlighting its catchy chorus and energetic beat.^[57] This digital resurgence propelled "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" onto international charts, debuting on the Billboard Global 200 and achieving widespread streaming success. By mid-2021, it had amassed tens of millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, contributing to its year-end ranking among the top global tracks.^[57] In terms of chart performance, the track peaked at number 86 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia.^[58] It also received certifications reflecting its commercial impact, including Platinum in Austria and 2× Platinum in Italy, while surpassing 100 million global streams by 2022. The revival underscored the enduring appeal of the song's melody in the social media era, introducing it to new generations.

Interpretations

Linguistic Origins

The lyrics of "Iko Iko" feature a series of seemingly nonsensical phrases rooted in the multilingual creolization of Louisiana's cultural landscape, blending elements from Native American pidgins, French-derived Creole dialects, and West African languages brought by the African diaspora to New Orleans. These elements reflect the historical interactions among Indigenous peoples, European settlers, enslaved Africans, and Creole communities in the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.^[2] Various scholars have proposed that key phrases derive from Mobilian Jargon, an extinct pidgin trade language primarily based on Choctaw and Chickasaw, spoken by Native Americans, Europeans, and Africans along the lower Mississippi River from the late 17th to early 20th centuries. Linguist Geoffrey D. Kimball has suggested that "Jockomo feena" corresponds to "čokəma fehna," meaning "very good" or "it's all good," a phrase used in confrontational or celebratory contexts; similarly, "iko" may stem from Choctaw roots denoting location or attention, such as "here" or "this way." Kimball's analysis, drawn from his compilation of over 1,250 Mobilian terms and studies of Southeastern Native languages, underscores how the jargon facilitated intercultural communication in colonial Louisiana, influencing local chants and songs.^[59] Louisiana Creole, a French-based patois with African and Indigenous influences, provides another layer of etymology for the song's syllables. Phrases like "ay ay ay" likely originate as exclamatory interjections common in Creole folk expressions, akin to calls for attention or emphasis in patois chants. The term "Jock-A-Mo" has been interpreted by some scholars as deriving from "Jacques à moi," a Creole variant meaning "Jack, take me" or a playful summons, evoking the interactive taunts in New Orleans street traditions. Additionally, "fee na nay" may echo "petit enfant" (little child) in distorted Creole pronunciation, used metaphorically in ritual language to reference community or rivalry.^[60]^[7] West African linguistic traces appear in the rhythmic syllables, tied to the Yoruba heritage of many enslaved people in Louisiana. Scholar and poet Sybil Kein, in her analysis of New Orleans Indian chants, translates elements as a Yoruba-Creole hybrid: "Aiku, aiku nde" as "God is watching" (from Yoruba "aiku" for immortality or divine oversight), and "Jacouman fi na" as "Look at the child," where "fi na" suggests causation or observation in a ritual context.^[61] This interpretation aligns with the African diaspora's retention of Yoruba tonal patterns and call-and-response structures in New Orleans music, as noted by linguist Evershed Amuzu in a 2009 OffBeat article, who identifies the chorus's cadence as distinctly West African.^[3] Kein's work highlights how these phrases served as coded expressions in masking Indian performances, preserving spiritual and communal meanings.

Cultural Significance

"Iko Iko" is rooted in the Mardi Gras Indian traditions of New Orleans, where its call-and-response structure and performance in second-line parades build communal solidarity during Carnival season. Emerging from these practices, the song honors the syncretic cultural fabric of New Orleans' free people of color and working-class Black neighborhoods, fostering a sense of shared heritage amid historical marginalization.^[62]^[11] The Mardi Gras Indian traditions from which the song derives have historical roots in post-Reconstruction resistance, highlighting community strength and agency in the face of systemic oppression.^[63] Following Hurricane Katrina's devastation in 2005, "Iko Iko" has played a key role in cultural preservation efforts, integrated into educational programs and annual Mardi Gras rituals that reaffirm Indian traditions and aid community recovery. Organizations like the Mardi Gras Indian Council and museums such as the House of Dance & Feathers teach the song to younger generations, ensuring its chants continue to symbolize renewal and cultural continuity.^[64]^[65]^[66]

Legacy

Use in Media

The song "Iko Iko" has been prominently featured in various films, enhancing scenes with its rhythmic energy and cultural resonance. In the 1988 film Rain Man, the Belle Stars' version plays during the opening credits and a key road trip sequence where characters Raymond Babbitt and Charlie Babbitt travel across the American Midwest, underscoring the film's themes of discovery and bonding.^[67]^[68] Similarly, the Dixie Cups' original 1965 recording appears on the soundtrack of the 2005 horror film The Skeleton Key, set in the Louisiana bayou, where it contributes to the atmospheric evocation of New Orleans' Creole and hoodoo traditions.^[69] On television, "Iko Iko" by the Dixie Cups is used in the pilot episode "The Bone Orchard" of the 2017 Starz series American Gods, playing on a jukebox in a roadside bar scene as protagonist Shadow Moon processes personal loss, adding a layer of ironic festivity to the moment.^[70]^[71] In other media, Zap Mama's a cappella rendition of "Iko Iko" is included on the soundtrack for the 2000 action film Mission: Impossible 2, directed by John Woo, where it provides an eclectic, world-music backdrop during high-energy sequences.^[72] Additionally, a remixed version of the Belle Stars' cover, produced by Jellybean Benítez, features in the 2009 comedy The Hangover, playing as the protagonists descend an escalator in a scene that humorously nods to Rain Man, and it was similarly utilized in promotional trailers to capture the film's chaotic Vegas vibe.^[73]^[74] More recently, Justin Wellington's 2021 adaptation "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" featuring Small Jam has gained traction in social media, inspiring widespread TikTok dance challenges that emphasize friendship and synchronized moves, amassing millions of user-generated videos since early 2021.^[75]^[76]

Influence and Covers

The song "Iko Iko" has inspired numerous additional covers by diverse artists, extending its reach across genres and eras. Long John Baldry included a version on his 1971 album Everything Stops for Tea, blending it with his blues-rock style.^[77] The Grateful Dead incorporated it into their live repertoire starting in 1977, performing it frequently during the late 1970s as a high-energy jam vehicle, such as at their October 7, 1977, show at the University of New Mexico.^[78] Cyndi Lauper recorded a pop-infused take for her 1986 album True Colors, featuring drum machine programming and backing vocals by Lauper herself.^[79] In 1994, Buckwheat Zydeco delivered an accordion-led zydeco rendition on his album Buckwheat's Zydeco Party, emphasizing the song's New Orleans roots through lively Creole instrumentation.^[80] "Iko Iko" has also influenced hip-hop through samples in various tracks, reflecting its rhythmic chant-like structure that resonates with beat-driven production. The song's elements have permeated New Orleans hip-hop subgenres like bounce music, where traditional second-line rhythms merge with rap flows to create party anthems rooted in Mardi Gras traditions.^[81] The track's genre impact lies in its role in popularizing world music fusions, bridging African American folk traditions with global pop and roots scenes. It has inspired Mardi Gras-themed compositions in zydeco, where accordion and washboard drive celebratory narratives, and in brass band music, which amplifies its parade-ready energy during Carnival seasons.^[82] Post-2021, the song saw renewed adaptations in Pacific Island music, spurred by Papua New Guinea artist Justin Wellington's viral 2021 remix "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" featuring Solomon Islands duo Small Jam, which topped charts worldwide and prompted further regional covers and remixes. As of 2025, the song has over 100 recorded cover versions.^[57]^[83]

References

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Iko Iko: Meaning, History, and Modern Renditions - The Music Class
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The Story Behind "Mardi Gras Mambo" and "Iko Iko"
Feb 13, 2018 · It turns out the song, originally titled “Jock-a-Mo,” was actually written in 1953 by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford. It tells of a parade collision between two “ ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
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Many rivers converged to make a New Orleans classic: 'Iko Iko' - KNKX
Feb 8, 2013 · “Iko Iko” was first recorded in 1953 by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford, who wrote the pop song “Jock-A-Mo” based on 2 different Mardi Gras Indian chants.
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Mardi Gras: A Brief History of "Iko! Iko! Jock-a-mo Fee No Nay"
Feb 17, 2012 · It came from two Indian chants that I put music to. “Iko Iko” was like a victory chant that the Indians would shout. “Jock-A-Mo” was a chant ...
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Iko Iko: the story - ABC listen - ABC News
Jul 23, 2016 · Former Dixie Cup Barbara Hawkins on the making of Iko Iko (aka Jock-a-Mo) a song that has its origins in a parade clash between two Mardi Gras Indian groups.
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What Do the Words of the Mardi Gras Song Mean? - Mental Floss
Feb 12, 2013 · Iko means "I go," or "pay attention," or "gold," or "hiking around"; the words come from French, or Yoruba, or Italian.Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
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[PDF] the florida state university
At their inception in the late Nineteenth Century, Mardi. Gras Indian maskers emerged as cultural mediators by utilizing parades and battles in order to find ...
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Feb 21, 2023 · The most popular theory suggests its roots stretch back to the late 19th century, when Black New Orleanians started dressing up as Native ...
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A unique and historic subculture of New Orleans, Black Masking Indians and their traditions date back to the 1800s when Native Americans provided safe refuge.
[12]
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Each Spy Boy has a method to signal potential trouble or approaching rival Indian tribes... with dancing, whooping, hollering, and hand language.
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Mar 9, 2016 · 'I'm gonna set your flag on fire.'” The spy boy's job is to march ahead of his tribe along the parade route, acting ...
[14]
James "Sugar Boy" Crawford Songs, Albums, Revi... | AllMusic
New Orleans R&B legend James "Sugar Boy" Crawford was born in the Crescent City on October 12, 1934. He grew up singing in his Baptist church choir.
[15]
James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford, New Orleans rhythm & blues singer of ...
Sep 15, 2012 · In November 1953, at age 19, Mr. Crawford recorded his composition “Jock-A-Mo” at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio on North Rampart Street, with a ...
[16]
Behind The Song: Sugar Boy and his Canecutters / The Dixie Cups ...
Aug 2, 2021 · The song, which was originally entitled Jockamo, tells a story of two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans who feud with each other before a parade.
[17]
Little Known Black History Fact: James 'Sugar Boy' Crawford
Sep 17, 2012 · The R&B singer, who was also known as “Sugar Boy”, wrote the famous Mardi Gras song “Jock-A-Mo” in 1953. The song was re-made by the Dixie Cups ...
[18]
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Jan 11, 2022 · Rosa Lee Hawkins, one of the founding members of the New Orleans “girl group” trio The Dixie Cups—best known for their 1964 #1 hit “Chapel ...
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In 1964 they had a US #1 single with "Chapel Of Love" for Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's Red Bird Label. ... Mike Stoller liked the sound and had the band record ...
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Performance: Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups | SecondHandSongs
Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups ; Language: English ; Released on · Chapel of Love Album August 1964 ; Other release · Iko Iko Single March 1965 ; Chart placings: #20 in ...
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Dixie Cups – LMHOF - Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
They later overdubbed bass and percussion and Iko Iko, their last hit, climbed to number 20 on both the pop and R&B charts. Allen Toussaint said the expression ...
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Peak position23 · LabelRED BIRD · Catalogue numberRB10024 · First Chart Date 19/05/1965.Missing: Billboard | Show results with:Billboard
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US #20 • US R&B #20 • UK #23 • From the Album Chapel of Love • Written by James Sugar Boy Crawford Music VF, US & UK hits charts.
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Sep 15, 2012 · James “Sugar Boy” Crawford at age 77, OffBeat is posting this February 2002 BackTalk with the “Jock-A-Mo” singer-songwriter in its entirety.Missing: date | Show results with:date
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EMI Sued for Dixie Cups' 'Iko Iko' Royalties | Courthouse News Service
A group representing the interests of a member of the 1960s pop trio the Dixie Cups has sued EMI in state court for royalties for the group's hit "Iko Iko."Missing: credits | Show results with:credits
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Justin Wellington – Iko Iko (My Bestie) Lyrics - Genius
Barbara Hawkins, James Crawford, Joan Johnson & Rosa Hawkins. Released on. June 3, 2019. Songs That Sample Iko Iko (My Bestie). Bowser Chef SML by Tuah Boys (Ft ...Missing: current | Show results with:current
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Malcolm “Dr. John” Rebennack - Music Rising
This character was based on a nineteenth-century voodoo priest. As Dr. John, Rebennack played a unique blend of New Orleans R&B and voodoo-infused psychedelic ...
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Dr. John's Gumbo - Rolling Stone
Jun 8, 1972 · At the time of writing this, “Iko Iko” is at 75 on the singles charts, so maybe you've heard it on the radio by now. Dr. John has gone back past ...
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Dec 7, 2017 · Album review of the 1972 release Dr. John's Gumbo by New Orleans based ... John's Gumbo starts with its most significant hit, “Iko Iko ...
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Apr 28, 2016 · His Cajun slur is on great display in Iko Iko, as the loose enunciations perfectly suit the loose groove of his piano. This is the sound of New ...
[32]
Dr. John's 'Gumbo': A New Orleans Master's Thesis
Dec 16, 2018 · The finished album, released on April 20, 1972, found a perfect entry point in “Iko Iko,” suggested by J. Geils Band lead singer Peter Wolf. ...
[33]
1972 Dr John – Iko Iko (US:#71) | Sessiondays
The song first became popular in 1965 by girl group the Dixie Cups, who scored an international hit with “Iko Iko”. ... Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
https://www.sessiondays.com/2021/08/1972-dr-john-iko-iko-us71/
[35]
Review: Dr. John, "The Atco/Atlantic Singles 1968-1974"
Sep 29, 2015 · In LA, he recorded his debut album Gris-Gris with Battiste, only taking on the flamboyant persona of Dr. John Creaux, The Night Tripper when ...
[36]
Iko Iko feat. Dr. John, members of Grateful Dead + more | Playing For ...
Apr 30, 2021 · ... version of the New Orleans classic and Mardi Gras favorite, "Iko Iko." This song features Dr. John in one of his last known recordings ...Missing: 1965 1968
[37]
The Belle Stars Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & ... - AllMusic
The Belle Stars were an all-female British pop group of the early '80s that split off from the Bodysnatchers. The lineup was Jennie McKeown (vocals), Lesley ...
[38]
https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-belle-stars-mn0000151679
[39]
https://www.discogs.com/artist/108103-The-Belle-Stars
[40]
The Belle Stars | Album - AllMusic
The Belle Stars by The Belle Stars released in 1983. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
[41]
BELLE STARS songs and albums | full Official Chart history
BELLE STARS songs and albums, peak chart positions, career stats, week ... IKO IKO THE BELLE STARS. Peak: 35,; Weeks: 6. Read more icon Close read more ...Missing: Australia | Show results with:Australia
[42]
Kent Music Report beyond the top 100: 6 September 1982
Sep 6, 2022 · The Belle Stars: seven members, and two Australian hits seven years apart. Beyond the top 100: Position 7 "Iko Iko" by The Belle Stars.
[43]
The Belle Stars: Iko Iko (Music Video 1982) - IMDb
Rating 6.2/10 (14) The Belle Stars perform in the music video "Iko Iko" from the original motion picture soundtrack for Rain Man (1988) recorded for Capitol Records.
[44]
Natasha England - Chartmetric
Natasha England is best known for her 1982 hit "Iko Iko". She appeared on Top of the Pops, and the song, produced by Tom Newman, rose to number 10 on the UK ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[45]
https://app.chartmetric.com/artist/70145
[46]
IKO IKO – NATASHA | Official Charts
Jun 5, 1982 · Latest chart stats about IKO IKO - peak chart position, weeks on chart, catalogue number, week-by-week chart placement and latest news.Missing: Finland Sweden
[47]
https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/natasha-iko-iko/
[48]
https://www.discogs.com/release/2525164-Natasha-Iko-Iko
[49]
https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/1523263?ev=rb
[50]
https://www.discogs.com/release/1993471-Natasha-Iko-Iko
[51]
https://www.discogs.com/master/63795-Captain-Jack-Top-Secret
[52]
Captain Jack - Iko Iko
### Release Details
[53]
https://www.discogs.com/release/1005074-Captain-Jack-Iko-Iko
[54]
https://www.offiziellecharts.de/suche?artist_search=Captain%2BJack
[55]
Top Secret - Captain Jack | Album - AllMusic
Top Secret by Captain Jack released in 2001. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
[56]
Justin Wellington & Small Jam Brings 'Iko Iko' to Global Charts
Jun 16, 2021 · The Dixie Cups first made the song popular to mainstream audiences in 1965, hitting No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, following their three ...
[57]
https://www.billboard.com/pro/justin-wellington-small-jam-iko-iko-global-charts/
[58]
Integrated Vocabulary of Mobilian Jargon | PDF | Linguistics - Scribd
This study presents a vocabulary of over 1,250 entries for Mobilian Jargon, a Native American pidgin language formerly spoken in the lower Mississippi River ...<|separator|>
[59]
Mardi Gras Indians - Music Rising - Tulane University
Scholars and observers have variously attributed them to the Creole, French ... Jock-A-Mo,” the Dixie Cups “Iko, Iko,” the Meters' “Hey Pocky-Way,” and the ...
[60]
Songs We Love: N.A.S.A. feat. Lizzo, 'Iko (Tropkillaz Remix)' - NPR
Sep 4, 2015 · Sybil Kein, an English and Theater professor at the University of Michigan, Flint, says the lyrics loosely translate from a Creole-Yoruba ...
[61]
The mysterious origins of 'Iko Iko' - Financial Times
Jul 24, 2017 · The mysterious origins of 'Iko Iko'. A hit for The Dixie Cups in 1965, the song is a gumbo of African, European and Native American influences.Missing: figures | Show results with:figures<|control11|><|separator|>
[62]
Mystery in Motion: African American Spirituality in Mardi Gras
Bruce Barnes talked about himcoming to New Orleans from Arkansas, his grandmother who was a "voodoo queen" and her influence on his life, how he started masking ...
[63]
[PDF] 2010 Annual Meeting - Program and Abstracts - IU ScholarWorks
New Orleans's Creole voodoo traditions, especially ancestor worship, cleansing, healing, and spiritual guidance. 09-08 Forum: Teaching Folklore and Digital ...
[64]
[PDF] Ž African American Indigenous Cultural Traditions
New Orleans indigenous cultural traditions such as Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and second line parades were born out of the ...
[65]
'All Hail the Queen': Cultural Bearing, Civic Engagement, and the ...
The original Carnival Indians, who emerged in post-Reconstruction America, challenged white society's limitations and behavioral expectations of Black men.
[66]
Hurricane Katrina Transformed Mardi Gras Indians, UNH Student ...
Aug 22, 2011 · DURHAM, N.H. - Six years after Hurricane Katrina, the Mardi Gras Indians have rebounded and been transformed into a reenergized community ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[67]
House of Dance & Feathers
A cultural museum based on Ronald W. Lewis' participation in the culture of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs and Skull & Bone Gangs.
[68]
Black Mardi Gras Culture - New Orleans Magazine
Feb 14, 2022 · The Mardi Gras Indians transcended from the back streets to becoming a global symbol of the recovery.
[69]
Rain Man - Iko Iko - The Belle Stars - YouTube
May 30, 2021 · Soundtrack/theme music from the 1988, Barry Levinson film "Rain man ... Rain Man - Iko Iko - The Belle Stars. 390K views · 4 years ago
[70]
Iko Iko — The Belle Stars - Last.fm
Watch the video for Iko Iko from The Belle Stars's The Hangover - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for free, and see the artwork, lyrics and similar ...
[71]
The Dixie Cups – Iko Iko Lyrics - Genius
You're probably thinking of The Belle Stars' cover of the song, which appears in Rain Man (1988). What does "Iko, iko an day / Jocomo fee no an dan day" mean?
[72]
"American Gods" The Bone Orchard (TV Episode 2017 ... - IMDb
Midnight Special. Written by Unknown · Torture. (uncredited). Written by John D. · Iko Iko. (uncredited). Attributed to Rosa Lee Hawkins, Barbara Ann Hawkins and ...
[73]
American Gods Soundtrack - Tunefind
Apr 30, 2017 · YouTube. Like. Share; Confirm; Edit; Change order. Play Preview. Iko Iko. Confirmed Correct · The Dixie Cups. More info. Listen on: Amazon Music.
[74]
‎Iko-Iko - Song by Zap Mama - Apple Music
Iko-Iko song by Zap Mama. Iko-Iko. Mission: Impossible 2 (Music from the Original Motion Picture Score) Zap Mama January 1, 2000. Preview ...
[75]
Jellybean Benítez - IMDb
2009. Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms in The Hangover (2009). The Hangover. 7.7. additional production & remix: "Iko Iko". 2009. Tichina Arnold, ...
[76]
The Hangover Soundtrack (2009) | List of Songs | WhatSong
Iko Iko · The Belle Stars. They come down the Escalator as 'Rain Man' and ... A Little Less Conversation - JXL Radio Edit Remix Elvis Presley & The Jordanaires ...
[77]
Iko Iko Dance Challenge BEST TikTok Compilation 2021 - YouTube
Aug 15, 2021 · Which one is the best? "Iko Iko (Justin Wellington) Dance Challenge" BEST TikTok Compilation 2021 Thank for watching!
[78]
Iko Iko Dance Challenge: Best Friend Groove | TikTok
Mar 9, 2021 · If you have concerns，please report at: Feedback and help - TikTok · Iko Iko (My Bestie) (feat. ... Doing my dance till it's viral # ...
[79]
https://www.discogs.com/master/64909-Cyndi-Lauper-True-Colors
[80]
University of New Mexico - October 7, 1977 - Grateful Dead
Iko Iko The Wheel Wharf Rat Sugar Magnolia One More Saturday Night. show date. Thu, 10/06/1977 - 17:00. Venue. University of New Mexico. dead comment. user ...Missing: 1970s | Show results with:1970s
[81]
https://grammy.com/news/mardi-gras-music-playlist-trombone-shorty-dr-john-allen-toussaint-mardi-gras-indians
[82]
Covers of Iko Iko by The Dixie Cups - WhoSampled
Covered in 34 songs ; Cyndi Lauper's Iko Iko · Iko Iko · Cyndi Lauper ; Buckwheat Zydeco's Iko Iko · Iko Iko · Buckwheat Zydeco ; The Belle Stars's Iko Iko · Iko ...Missing: list - - | Show results with:list - -
[83]
Mardi Gras Music Playlist: Learn How Trombone Shorty, Dr. John ...
"Iko Iko". Artists ranging from Dr. John to Cyndi Lauper to the Grateful Dead ... Often referred to as the "Queen of Bounce," Freedia has been instrumental in ...
[84]
A History of Mardi Gras Music - New Orleans - Where Y'at Magazine
Feb 7, 2024 · They were known for creating and influencing several favorites, like "Iko Iko ... Mardi Gras music history as the music of brass bands. The ...