Grateful Dead – “Iko Iko” Live
Hey Now! Hey Now!
“Iko Iko” is a New Orleans song with the original title of “Jock-A-Mo.” It was written by Sugar Boy and his Cane Cutters and released in 1953 BUT it didn’t make it to the charts. It was then covered by The Dixie Cups which popularized the song and made it a global hit.
“Iko Iko” is a much-covered New Orleans song that tells of a parade collision between two “tribes” of Mardi Gras Indians and the traditional confrontation.
After Grateful Dead made their own version, it became a staple in their live shows starting from 1977. It may be a cover tune but man, nothing beats that feel-good vibe when Jerry launches into its introduction. It always makes me feel like dancing!
The tempo is slow enough that the words have more time to sink in, and the band locks into a steady groove in that special way they had.
I’m just beyond happy that Jerry and the boys covered an immortal track and still made it their own!
