New Orleans can arguably lay claim to being at least one of rock and roll's many simultaneous birthplaces (along with Memphis, Chicago, and New York), but the unassuming nature of the town, its music, and its artists means it often gets unfairly overlooked. Fact is, the city's mix of Caribbean rhythms, African heritage, Southern grit and urban machismo made it a perfect breeding ground. Indeed, the city's biggest star, Fats Domino, was as facile at crossbreeding American styles of music as Elvis Presley, combining country, pop standards, swing, jump blues, and boogie-woogie into a logical (and danceable) whole. He was rewarded accordingly, too: in the first generation of rock and roll, only Elvis sold more records. So why doesn't Fats garner the near-religious intensity of fan worship Elvis still commands, years after his death? Because New Orleans' musical artists are not about celebrity. They're about music.
Following is a short list of links about New Orleans and its contribution to the birth of rock and roll. It's not meant to be complete, yet: this is a resource that will evolve over time. If you think you know of a link that should be here, feel free and e-mail me!
- Excerpt from Louisiana chapter of Music USA This book excerpt by noted rock critic Richie Unterberger gives a very precise outline of the New Orleans scene and its development.
- The History of Rock and Roll: The New Orleans Sound A history that explains the connection between three of NO rock's greatest legends: Fats, Little Richard, and Lloyd Price.
- Louisiana Music Commission: Cosimo 101 An impassioned plea for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to recognize local producing legend Cosimo Matassa. The evidence is astounding, taken all at once, by year.
- Jazzitude: The Doctor Is In A tribute to Dr. John, who was an integral part of the New Orleans scene long before his solo career took flight in the Seventies.
- FatsDominoOnline.com The net's first and best fan site for the King of New Orleans rock and roll.
- R&B Music Primer: Dave Bartholomew Excellent autobiography of the silent partner who helped catapult Fats Domino to megastardom.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Allen Toussaint A good bio on the man who moved New Orleans music into the Sixties and helped create soul in the process.
- ArtistDirect: Lee Dorsey One of the city's big national hitmakers in the Sixties, adept at R&B, funk, and more.
- Offbeat: Irma Thomas New Orleans' Queen of Soul talks about her colorful history - in an interview conducted by your Oldies Guide himself!
