With all we've been through these past months since Hurricane Katrina, I can tell you that I'm looking for a new vision for our grand city. I'm looking for someone who can inspire us to do the impossible. I'm looking for a mayor who won't make embarrassing statements to the press, or to anyone else for that matter. I'm looking for a mayor who commands respect and admiration and will be an ambassador to the world.
There are more than two dozen people seeking the job this year, but the only one who comes close to filling my criteria is none other than the Emperor of the Universe himself: Ernie K-Doe.
K-Doe you may recall recorded one of the greatest songs in rock'n'roll history, "Mother-in-Law." The Allen Toussaint-penned tale of woe hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May of 1961, and also reigned on top of the R&B chart for 5 consecutive weeks.
An R&B artist for mayor? Think about it: K-Doe has name recognition. He's got fans from every economic group, every ethnic background, and every religious persuasion. If it were not for the fact that K-Doe died five years ago, he'd be a shoo-in.
Heck, if you think about it, that's probably not gonna stop him!
His widow, the ever-flamboyant Miss Antoinette, does her level best to keep the memory and unbridled spirit of K-Doe's life alive and kicking. She announced her departed husband's bid for the city's top spot at a rally here the other day.
I used to listen to K-Doe when he deejayed on WWOZ radio here. K-Doe was often drunk, or at least he sure sounded like he was. He had the habit of cutting in on songs to comment on the lyrics, ad-lib new lyrics, or just to shout out a hello to friends and neighbors. His favorite topic was, naturally, his own greatness, and he would encourage himself all the way, shouting out "Burn, K-Doe, Burn!"
With K-Doe as mayor, New Orleanians will know that nothing is impossible, that no goal is too high, that if even death can't stop K-Doe, shaking off a bitchy hurricane can be as easy as twisting the cap off a bottle of bourbon.
Vote, K-Doe, Vote!
Now I know many will think this is a crazy idea. They will say, "A dead singer for mayor? That dog won't hunt."
Okay then, how about this one, running for the City Council?
4 comments:
My first Krewe du Vieux, Ernie played the after parade party. Never another show quite like that one.
An Emperor of the Universe should make a fine mayoer.
Bennie Grunch would be my choice. Morgus would be up there too, but he lives on the Northshore.
He's got my vote!
Been meaning to tell you I really like the new brown & blue template - very sleek!
Happy Easter!
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