Music Monday: A classic New Orleans Mardi Gras playlist

By Olivia Tomlinson, Entertainment Editor

March 3, 2025

LSU mascot Mike the Tiger throws beads Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, on Tower Drive in Baton Rouge, La.

Louisiana’s largest and most vibrant party is just around the corner.

Mardi Gras is a celebration deeply rooted in the history and culture of Louisiana. With a plethora of combined sounds, Mardi Gras music has shaped the festival season. With styles like jazz, brass band and rhythm and blues, Mardi Gras music can be traced back to the early 19th century.

French, Spanish and African influences have created this musical melting pot. Zydeco and Cajun music also has a presence in Mardi Gras music, with it originating from Creole and Acadian people of Louisiana. Cajun music tends to have a folk sound, while Zydeco offers an upbeat rhythm from instruments such as washboards and accordions.

From traditional, yet iconic jazz like “When the Saints Go Marching In” by Louis Armstrong and “Bourbon Street Parade” by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to more contemporary funk like “Hey Pocky A-Way” by The Meters and “Take Your Drunk Ass Home” by Big Al Carson, this playlist will get everyone in the mood for a Mardi Gras Mambo.

Enjoy this Mardi Gras with New Orleans artists like Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, The Meters and many more. Stay safe and laissé les bons moments rouler.

About the Contributor

Olivia Tomlinson, Entertainment Editor

Why did you join the Reveille?

I wanted to gain experience in the communications field, while writing about topics I am passionate about.

What positions have you held at the Reveille?

I started as a digital optimizer, became the senior digital optimizer, then the digital editor. Now I am the entertainment editor.

What’s your favorite thing about working at the Reveille?

I love all the people I get to meet, whether it’s in the newsroom or out when I am working on a story.

What’s your favorite story that you’ve worked on so far?

My favorite story that I have worked on is my breakdown of each Taylor Swift era that was published just before the beginning of ‘The Eras Tour’. It is constantly being clicked on and has become one of the most-read stories at the Reveille, which I am proud of.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

We shall see.