By Rogan Schenck
Photo by Elodie Provosty
It’s getting to be that time of year when the Mardi Gras festivities start ramping up. And there’s no better way to get in the Mardi Gras spirit than listening to some classic Carnival hits. Here is a list of ten Mardi Gras songs that are sure to get you ready for the festivities.
1) Mardi Gras Mambo -The Hawketts
You can be sure to hear this song on the parade route. It was recorded by the Hawketts in 1954. The group featured 16-year-old Art Neville on lead vocals and piano.
2) Go to the Mardi Gras – Professor Longhair
This is a song by Professor Longhair, a very prominent artist from New Orleans. This song is unique because it is a 16-bar blues instead of the usual 12-bar blues. It’s one of the most classic Carnival songs ever recorded.
3) Big Chief – Professor Longhair and Earl King
This is another one from Fess. Longhair recorded this song many times, but the most famous one features Earl King on vocals.
4) If Ever I Cease to Love – Johnny Wigs
This song goes all the way back to the first Rex parade in 1872. It is known as the official theme song of New Orleans Mardi Gras. Every year it is ceremoniously played for the King of Rex.
5) Do Whatcha Wanna – Rebirth Brass Band
This song is an all-time favorite during Mardi Gras. Everything about this song radiates Carnival energy and could even be considered to represent the spirit of the city itself.
6) Carnival Time – Al Johnson
This is a song by Al Johnson released in 1960 whose nickname, “Carnival Time,” comes from the popularity of this song. Perhaps better than any others, it captures the Carnival spirit of dropping all cares and living for the day.
7) Second Line – Stop, Inc.
In the 1970s, someone discovered that there was no existing recording of the popular song “Second Line,” so a group of session musicians stepped up. There are no lyrics, but you don’t need them.
8) Hey, Pocky A-Way – The Neville Brothers
This is another song you are bound to hear come Carnival time. Originally recorded by the Meters, it is a song that is assembled from bits and pieces of Mardi Gras Indian chants.
9) Handa Wanda – The Wild Magnolias
This song, by the Wild Magnolias, a Mardi Gras Indian tribe, is a classic example of Mardi Gras Indian music, with the call and response between the chief and the rest of the tribe.
10) Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk) – Ying Yang Twins
This is a classic New Orleans song that every Saints fan knows. It’s not necessarily a Mardi Gras song, but you can almost be certain to hear it around Carnival season as a definitive New Orleans hit.
