WATCH: Ernie K. Doe: “Mother-in-law”

Though this track isn’t new in any way, it might be somewhat obscure to people outside of New Orleans, so in honor of this great city and since Mardi Gras just passed, we bring you a little Southern gem.

You just gotta love Ernie K Doe. This song from 1954 is the only Top-40 hit this mean rhythm and blues machine ever had, and boy, it’s a catchy tune.

There’s also plenty of interesting trivia surrounding Ernie’s persona:

Ernie started going by “The Emperor of the Universe” in the 1990s and became one of those New Orleans characters you’d see around town, sporting a cape and crown.

He’s got a bar in town, the “Ernie K Doe’s Mother-in-Law Lounge”, complete with a life size figure of him. Ernie died in 2001, and his widow Antoinette operated it until her death in 2009. I have no idea who runs it now but it’s one of those places that wouldn’t shut down.

And lastly, Ernie was buried in the same tomb as his second mother-in-law. Now, aint’ that a sweet note to end on!

Ernie K Doe "Mother-in-law"