Big Chief Monk Boudreaux is a towering figure in the world of New Orleans music, embodying the deep traditions and vibrant spirit of the city's Mardi Gras Indian culture. Born Joseph Pierre Boudreaux in 1941, he is renowned for his role as the Big Chief of the Golden Eagles, a position that denotes both leadership and artistic mastery within this unique community, where African-American men don traditional, ornately beaded and feathered suits that pay homage to Native American ceremonial garb. As part of a tradition that's been a cornerstone of New Orleans culture for over a century, Boudreaux's music is infused with the soulful rhythms and chants that characterize the Mardi Gras Indian sound, blending African, Creole, and Native American influences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux has worked to preserve and propel the Mardi Gras Indian music genre beyond the borders of Louisiana. His contributions include collaborations with a range of other musicians, promoting a fusion of funk, blues, and R&B with traditional Indian chants. Albums like "Bloodstains & Teardrops," which was released in 2021, continue to showcase his rich vocal delivery and storytelling prowess, telling tales of life, struggle, and community. Prior to this, "Won't Bow Down" (2011) reaffirmed his resilience and dedication to his cultural legacy, while "Rising Sun" (2016) offered another vibrant collection of songs steeped in the Creole and Black Indian traditions of New Orleans. As a guardian of this unique cultural expression, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux's music not only preserves the past but also evolves it, ensuring its heartbeat remains loud and clear for future generations.

Genres

New Orleans Funk

Second Line

Latest Release

Bloodstains & Teardrops

Big Chief Monk Boudreaux

Album - 10 Tracks - Released May 21, 2021