Mardi Gras Indian Music Analysis

Country artist Tim McGraw once said, “Music has the power to change people.” There is no better example of this than the roles that both Mardi Gras Indian music and Rhythm and Blues have had in fighting for the oppression against African Americans. Through the assessment of the musical and cultural impacts of both styles, it is possible to determine the roles each has played in fighting racism towards African Americans and, in the case of Mardi Gras Indian music, Native Americans as well. Mardi Gras Indian Music and Rhythm & Blues share many similarities and differences in the musical influences that lead to their foundations, their musical elements and the results that came from their formation.

The influences that led to the formation of

Both styles have always shared some elements such as second line rhythms and ostinatos. This similarity in elements likely served as the starting point for the overall integration of these two styles. Alternatively, prior to the “second wave” of Rhythm and Blues, only Mardi Gras Indian music incorporated elements such as chant like vocals, secret languages, syncopation. As the new era of Rhythm and Blues, often referred to as the “second wave” rolled in, artists began experimenting with some of these elements that were previously exclusive to Mardi Gras Indian music. For example, artists like Dr. John picked up elements like syncopation and began playing with “that syncopated New Orleans feel”(New Orleans R&B- The “ Second Wave”.) On the other hand, R&B has elements such as horns and a heavy emphasis on the piano. Considering how unchanged the styles of Mardi Gras Indian music have been, it is unlikely that these stylistic factors will ever be included in the style. Never the less, contemporary R&B music has conformed with Mardi Gras music so much that “Mardi Gras Indians often perform onstage with R&B/funk groups.” An example of this is when “the [Neville Brothers] backed their uncle ,