Big Chief

Professor Longhair

About Big Chief

"Big Chief" is a song composed by Earl King in the early 1960s. It became a hit in New Orleans for Professor Longhair in 1964, featuring 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. 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. 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. 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. 


Year:
1980
3:13
1,187 
#4

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Me got fire, can't put it out
Heap fire water gonna make me shout
I'm goin' down an-a get my squaw
Me might buy a great big car
I'm gonna do ev'rything I could
Me Big Chief, I'm feeling good

Me Big Chief, I got um tribe
Got my squaw right by my side
My Flagboy, he just went by
My Spyboy, he's full of fire
Me whole tribe is havin' fun
We gonna dance 'til mornin' come.

~

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Professor Longhair

Professor Longhair (December 19, 1918 – January 30, 1980; born Henry Roeland Byrd, also known as Roy "Bald Head" Byrd and as Fess) was a New Orleans blues singer and pianist. Professor Longhair is noteworthy for having been active in two distinct periods, both in the heyday of early rhythm and blues, and in the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz after the founding of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. more »

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Written by: EARL KING

Lyrics © MADISON LEISURE CORP.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
"Big Chief" is a song that falls under the genre of New Orleans R&B music, often characterized by its vibrant rhythm and blues sound.
Artist
The song "Big Chief" is one of the most notable works of Professor Longhair, an influential musician known for his unique blend of rumba, mambo, and calypso styles.
Release
"Big Chief" was originally released in 1964 with Professor Longhair also known as Henry Roeland Byrd on vocals and piano.
Inspiration
The song is inspired by and named after a Mardi Gras Indian tradition of New Orleans. In these traditions, 'Big Chief' is the title given to the leader of a Mardi Gras Indian tribe.
Composition
The song is renowned for its catchy, syncopated beat, built around the piano, and intricacies that represent Professor Longhair's unconventional style and set him apart from other blues musicians of his time.
Culture
"Big Chief" is an integral part of New Orleans culture and a popular number in Mardi Gras celebrations to this day.
Recognition
The song holds such a significant place in music history that it was inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2018, more than 50 years after its original release.
Performance
The most well-known performances of 'Big Chief' are those done during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, where Professor Longhair himself performed it several times.
Effect
'Big Chief' has greatly influenced the New Orleans music scene and some of the great musicians like Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and even The Rolling Stones.
Coverage
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Dr. John and Hugh Laurie.

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