The Wild Tchoupitoulas hold a revered place in the rich tapestry of New Orleans music history. Formed in the early 1970s by George "Big Chief Jolly" Landry, the group brought together the call-and-response chants of Mardi Gras Indian culture with contemporary funk and R&B rhythms. The Wild Tchoupitoulas consisted of members of the Landry family along with the support of local New Orleans musicians, including their well-known nephews, the Neville brothers—Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril. Their eponymous 1976 album, 'The Wild Tchoupitoulas,' remains a celebrated work, encapsulating the spirit of the city and the unique cultural fusion found within. This album breathed new life into the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, showcasing its enduring legacy and influence on popular music.

The legacy of The Wild Tchoupitoulas is enshrined not just in New Orleans culture but also in the broader landscape of music. Their innovative blend of native Mardi Gras chants with funk laid a foundation that has influenced artists within and beyond New Orleans’ borders. The release of albums like "All Time Favorites: The Wild Tchoupitoulas" and "Top Collection: The Wild Tchoupitoulas" helped introduce new generations to the infectious beats and colorful pageantry of the Mardi Gras Indians. While the group's discography is concise, their impact is monumental, embedding their sound as a vital chapter in the narrative of American music and preserving the vitality of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition for posterity.

Genres

Native American Traditional

New Orleans Funk

Second Line

Latest Release

Top Collection: The Wild Tchoupitoulas

The Wild Tchoupitoulas

Album - 8 Tracks - Released September 2, 2015