Gumbo Blues

History

The term fits New Orleans artists who treated blues as one ingredient in a broader local blend, especially during the late 1960s and 1970s roots-funk era. Dr. John’s Gris-Gris and Gumbo-era records, The Meters’ funk-blues instrumentals, Allen Toussaint’s productions and performances, Earl King’s streetwise songs, and Professor Longhair’s late revival recordings made the style audible as a city aesthetic. Gumbo Blues influenced roots rock, New Orleans funk, jam bands, Americana, and modern festival performances where local hybridity is the point rather than a side effect.

Defining artists

• Dr. JohnSpotifyYouTube
• The MetersSpotifyYouTube
• Professor LonghairSpotifyYouTube
• Allen ToussaintSpotifyYouTube
• Earl KingSpotifyYouTube
• Lee DorseySpotifyYouTube

Essential listening

• Iko Iko — Dr. JohnSpotifyYouTube
• Cissy Strut — The MetersSpotifyYouTube
• Tipitina — Professor LonghairSpotifyYouTube
• Go Back Home — Allen ToussaintSpotifyYouTube
• Street Parade — Earl KingSpotifyYouTube
• Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky — Lee DorseySpotifyYouTube

Sources

• John Swenson, New Atlantis
• Jeff Hannusch, I Hear You Knockin'
• Ned Sublette, The World That Made New Orleans
• AllMusic