WHO: “Sugar Boy” Crawford

WHAT: Jock-A-Mo (better known as Iko-Iko)

WHERE: New Orleans

WHY: This song’s been covered by everyone from Dr. John to Cyndi Lauper and the covers tend to creep up in film and television at strange moments, what’s far more interesting is the story behind the track, which includes lots of copyright arguing and royalty bojangles. I’ve included what I believe is the original version of the song recorded in 1953 by “Sugar Boy” Crawford & his Cane Cutters then titled “Jock-A-Mo”; You’ve more likely heard the Dixie Cups version, which they recorded with drumsticks and ashtrays in the studio. There are plenty more interesting facts about this track (including what all of the Creole patois means), so I suggest you mosey on over to the ever accurate Wikipedia and learn a bit about the dwindling tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians. Or just enjoy the music, that’s cool too.