IDEAS and Sonic Connection musical component-”Iko Iko”
Primarily, the most important ideas components for “Iko Iko” are the function, context and aesthetics. “Iko Iko” is a very popular Rhythm and Blues standard that features classic New Orleans instruments such as pianos and trumpets.
First of all, “Iko Iko” is a New Orleans Party song that features Mardi Gras rhythms. The lyrics contain various traditional Indian Chants and is one of the most beloved New Orleans carnival songs. In the 1950′s, New Orleans Rhythm and Blues was certainly a popular genre of music. With musicians such as Little Richard and Fats Domino, rock and roll was in full swing. (I really enjoy Fat’s Domino’s songs “Ain’t That A Shame” and “Blueberry Hill”). James “Sugar Boy” Crawford and His Cane Cutters recorded “Jock-O-Mo” in 1954. This recording created the magic that would be soon heard in “Iko Iko”. The two songs are derived off each other.
“Iko Iko” is an extremely beautiful song and it defines the magic of the great city of New Orleans. In my opinion, New Orleans is such a special city and “Iko Iko” is the Crescent City’s signature song! It has been covered by artists like Dr. John, The Dixie Cups and The Greatful Dead. The sweet consonant sounds of the piano and percussion allow the song to spread it’s powerful sonic magic.
“Iko Iko” is meant to make listeners feel happy about themselves.
I would say that “Iko Iko” is not a spiritual song. Instead, it is a celebratory song. “Iko Iko” is a dance song. The Mardi Gras rhythms define “Iko Iko” as a parade song. It is strongly crafted from Afro-Caribbean Music!
In 1965, “Iko Iko” was recorded by The Dixie Cups–a truly fantastic group. They are from New Orleans. Sisters Barbara and Rosa Hawkins and their cousin Joan Marie Johnson were discovered by singer Joe Jones. They were discovered at a high school talent contest.
Eventually, they went to New York and were the first musicians to sign to Red Bird Records which was started by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The Dixie Cups perform “Iko Iko” as a capella. With bands like the Ronettes and The Coasters, the Dixie Cups were part of the early 1960′s wave of studio pop music. The Dixie Cups put their own unique creative spin on “Iko Iko” making it very pretty and awesome to listen to. Handclapping makes the recording stand out and it creates a beautiful melody.
Dr. John recorded “Iko Iko” in 1972 and it is featured on the album “Dr. John’s Gumbo”. (“Dr. John’s Gumbo” includes a fantastic version of Ray Charles’s “Mess Around”).
Dr. John is a master of creating beautiful music! His piano melodies and rhythms are astounding! Dr. John is one of the New Orleans Musical legends! His vocals are so casual and he pays great tribute to the magic of “Iko Iko”.
In conclusion, the context, function and aesthetics of “Iko Iko” are very important to examine. “Iko Iko” is an beautiful song–a true landmark of New Orleans musical culture. Dr. John and the Dixie Cups express their musical talents in order to create their own unique interpretations. “Iko Iko” is a parade and dance song! It is played in a major key. The cultural legacy of “Iko Iko” will always be true and strong for generations to come.
Works Cited
John, Dr., Buckwheat Zydeco, and Neville Brothers. New Orleans Party Songs.
Rhino, 2001. CD.
Lichtenstein, Grace, and Laura Dankner. Mucho Gumbo: The Music of New Orleans.
New York: W.W. Norton, 1993. Print.
Hawkins, Barbara, Rosa Hawkins, and Joan Marie Johnson. “Iko Iko.” the Very Best
of the Dixie Cups. Rec. Spring 1965. Collectables Records, 1998. CD.
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