Interconnections “Iko Iko”
The most important interconnection regarding the song “Iko Iko” is the sense of musical legacy and community. This song is a major landmark in New Orleans musical history partly because of its influence as a Mardi Gras parade song. The lyrics are based off of Mardi Gras Indian chants and the melody of “Iko Iko” is very upbeat.
Parade songs are a great example of preserving and displaying New Orleans culture and identity. According to the book “Mardi Gras Indians”, these events serve to clense and renew the spirit of the community. They also function as an information network. It is here–not on TV or in newspapers controlled by the white establishment–where blacks learn what’s really going on in the city. The second-line parades intricately link the greater African-American community of New Orleans historically, economically, politically, culturally, and spiritually, and are considered to be freedom celebrations” (Pg. 29, Smith).
In the 1965 Dixie Cups version of “Iko Iko”, the girls are using the power of their voice and percussion (tapping on glass) to display their own musical identity. They are working within a group to create a song that is so magical….and will continue to be for generations to come. The girls are clearly having fun by allowing the power of the music to flow!
In Dr. John’s version, he uses similar piano rhythms that Fats Domino used to create his own musical magic. The use of cyclical call and response in the chorus represents the power of community based music.
The legacy and magic of New Orleans is so influential that has inspired Ex Beatle Paul McCartney. Interestingly enough, Paul and Linda McCartney became very enlightened and enchanted by the Crescent city. According to the book “Musical Gumbo”, “One of the highlights of the seventies for the Meters and other local musicians was Paul McCartney’s stay in New Orleans while making “Venus and Mars.” The Meters were the featured entertainment when Marshall Sehorn threw his riverboat party honoring McCartney. When McCartney returned the favor by flying 125 of his New Orleans pals to California for his own boat bash aboard the Queen Mary, the Meters were on board. “McCartney just wanted to give back to all those people in New Orleans that he has a lot of love for” said George Porter. The guest list glittered–the Jackson Five, Cher, Greg Allman, Paul Williams, and more, with a row of waiting limousines from Newport practically to Marina Del Ray. “Everybody who was anybody was sitting in and jamming that day,” said George Porter, who shared a mike with the former Beatle and his wife Linda” (Pg.137, Lichtenstein).
New Orleans has a special enchanting quality that is very unique. One can understand why Paul McCartney and his wife Linda wanted to be involved in the musical community of New Orleans. When the Beatles performed their “rooftop” concert in January 1969, they invited the great soul musician Billy Preston to play keyboards. Paul McCartney and John Lennon were equally influenced by the music of Chuck Berry and Little Richard. They loved 1950′s style rock and roll.
The upbeat and repetitive rhythms of “Iko Iko” are enchanting enough to make music listeners dance!
The need to celebrate and unwind by using dance and music is a such a powerful force.
In conclusion, mostly all of the components of musical culture apply to the sounds of “Iko Iko”. . Musicians such as the Meters, Dr. John, The Dixie Cups, the Neville Brothers keep the musical legacy of New Orleans going. With every new generation of artists, New Orleans music will always continue to evolve!
Works Cited
Smith, Michael P. Mardi Gras Indians. Gretna, Louisiana: Pelican, 1994. Print.
Lichtenstein, Grace, and Laura Dankner. Mucho Gumbo: The Music of New Orleans.
New York: W.W. Norton, 1993. Print.
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