"Big Chief" is a song recorded by Professor Longhair.Berry/Foose/Jones, Up from the Cradle of Jazz. University of Louisiana at Lafayette Press, 2009, p. 148. It was released as a single by Watch Records of New Orleans in February, 1965.Record Details-Artist:Professor Longhair-Big Chief Part 1/Part 2 (45cat) accessed on Jan. 21, 2025 The song was written by Earl King though the single credits Ulis Gaines and Wardell Quezergue as the writers.Big Chief, Part 2: Fess, Earl & Wardell (Home of the Groove) accessed on Jan. 21, 2025A Song A Day: Professor Longhair, "Big Chief Pt. 2" (MAY 14, 2017) accessed on Jan. 21, 2025Tuff City statement regarding law suit accessed on Jan. 21,2025
Overview The song features a whistled first chorus in a rollicking blues piano style and subsequent lyrics written in mock-American-Indian pidgin (whistled and sung by King, uncredited). The tune became popular in New Orleans, frequently performed by local musicians such as Dr. John, and is now a staple of the repertory of most brass bands and musicians in the area. (Even though it was not a national hit, the single was available for years in the New Orleans area, especially during Mardi Gras.)
King wrote the song while attending school, and recalled the tune during a recording session with Longhair arranged by Wardell Quezergue."Meet De Boys". OffBeat, February 2010, p. 22. Longhair originally wanted to record the song with a small ensemble, but Quezergue, King, and Smokey Johnson (who also played on the session) convinced him to include an eleven- or fifteen-piece horn ensemble on the 1964 recording.
Background The song refers to Mardi Gras Indian groups; an important part of the African American Mardi Gras tradition. The "Indian Nation" of Mardi Gras Indian "gangs" in New Orleans includes the Wild Magnolias, the Golden Eagles, and several others. Mardi Gras Indian gangs have existed since the early 20th Century. Each gang performs its own original songs and dances on Mardi Gras Day, on "Super Sunday" (the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day) and at other functions in the community. The "Big Chief", the "Spy Boy", the "Flag Boy" and several other roles or offices are important to the Mardi Gras Indian tradition of "masking" (parading through the street in full costume). These characters are mentioned in Earl King's song, as well as many other songs which have come out of New Orleans, such as "Jock-O-Mo" ("Iko Iko") or "My Indian Red".
According to tradition, the African Americans in New Orleans who first formed "Indian gangs" did so as a tribute to the Native American tribes in the area who took in runaway slaves in the pre–Civil War era. Mardi Gras Indians wear elaborate, hand made costumes which feature massive feather headdresses and intricate bead work.
Personnel According to "Blues Discography 1943 - 1970 Later Years (2nd Edition)", a 16-piece (including Fess himself) band including a 10-piece horn section participated in the recording session. It was Earl King the songwriter who took the lead vocals.。
Professor Longhair - piano Earl King - vocals Clyde Kerr - trumpet Eddie Nash - trumpet Warren Bokes - trombone Wendell Eugene - trombone Waldron Joseph - trombone Warren Bell - alto saxophone Clarence Ford - alto saxophone Manuel Crusto - tenor saxophone Nat Perilliat - tenor saxophone Carl Bluin - baritone saxophone Mac Rebennack - guitar Curtis Mitchell - bass Smokey Johnson - drums Sydney Quezergue - percussion
Cover versions
YEAR ARTIST ALBUM 1972 Dr. John Dr. John's Gumbo 1979 Ronnie Barron Blue Delicacies 1984 The Neville Brothers Neville-ization 1989 Jon Cleary Alligator Lips and Dirty Rice 1989 The Subdudes The Subdudes 1990 The Wild Magnolias I'm Back … At Carnival Time! 1991 Art Neville Key To The Crescent City 1992 The Meters The Meters Jam 2002 Dirty Dozen Brass Band Medicated Magic
Sample The song is sampled in the song "Knock 'Em Out" from Alright, Still, the debut album from Lily Allen.
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