Iko Iko - Dr. John - MP3 instrumental karaoke

Dr. John’s version of “Iko Iko” gave a New Orleans classic a fresh twist in 1972. Originally written by James “Sugar Boy” Crawford as “Jock-A-Mo” in 1953, the track was reimagined by Dr. John for his album Dr. John’s Gumbo. Released as a single that March, “Iko Iko” hit number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced the Mardi Gras anthem to a wider audience. The lyrics, full of Creole slang and rhythmic chants, depict a showdown between Mardi Gras Indian tribes, though their exact meaning is still debated. Produced by Jerry Wexler and Harold Battiste, the track mixes funk, blues, and New Orleans R&B with Dr. John’s signature piano grooves and laid-back vocals. “Iko Iko” became one of his most recognizable songs and helped cement his role as a cultural ambassador for the city’s sound. With its infectious beat and street-party vibe, the track remains a standout in Dr. John’s catalog and a go-to Mardi Gras anthem.