All Hail the Chief
If you're from New Orleans, you know that becoming a Big Chief in a Masking Indian tribe is an honor like no other. But what happens when being a Masking Indian leads to a music career that eventually leads to Grammy nominations?
When it comes to local legend Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, this journey started from humble beginnings. While his accolades show that he has come a long way from being a boy born in inner-city New Orleans during the 1940s, the Big Chief remains a simple man who loves his family, suiting up, and preserving the Masking Indian culture.
In 2024, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & the Golden Eagles, featuring J'Wan Boudreaux, received a Grammy nomination for their album Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in the Regional Roots Music category. While this isn't his first Grammy nomination, it is definitely one that means a lot to not only the Big Chief but to the culture of New Orleans.
The enthusiasm towards this album got us wanting to know more about the man behind it all. Fortunately, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux allowed Where Y'at to come into his world for an interview that offered a glimpse into his life, culture, and music.
Born into Tradition
Big Chief Monk Boudreaux was born Joseph Pierre Boudreaux on Second and Dryades to a family that was not only rooted in the Masking Indian tradition but also partly of Native American descent. His father, a masking Indian, was a major influence. "I would help my dad get dressed on Mardi Gras morning and wait for him to return in the evening. It was always in me to become an Indian," he shared.
After his father stopped masking, Boudreaux was mentored by Black Johnny, a legendary singer among the Indians. "He taught me the songs and chants and took me under his wing. I joined the White Eagles and masked that first year. I wasn't too hot," he laughed. "But Black Johnny encouraged me, and the next year, I got better."
The Path to Big Chief
Becoming a Big Chief is an honor and responsibility. "It means everything to me because I grew up in the culture. From as young as 12, we were taught the importance of keeping the tradition alive," he admitted.
The role of Big Chief is earned, not given. "The elders watch everyone in the tribe and decide who can rightfully lead. Today, I am the elder who makes those decisions." But how does one become a Big Chief? Is it about the suit, the character, or the personality? Boudreaux emphasized, "It's about everything: character, appreciation of the culture, and how they dress. Most importantly, it's about keeping the gang under control. You deal with different personalities, and, as Big Chief, you have to see it all."
The Golden Eagles and The Wild Magnolias
Boudreaux's musical journey includes collaborations with prominent New Orleans musicians including Cyril Neville and the late Dr. John. But his collaboration with his neighborhood friend, Bo Dollis, was the most impactful. When they created their music, they blended Mardi Gras Indian chants with funk and blues, creating a groundbreaking sound.
"Bo had the voice, but I had the power," Boudreaux reflected. "Not only did I know all the chants, but I also had some of the baddest drummers around. We rehearsed every day at my house, and that's how we built that powerful sound."
Despite their partnership, the act was often billed solely as the Wild Magnolias, leaving out the name of Boudreaux's tribe, the Golden Eagles. This didn't deter his passion. "We just went with it." The group went on to record many Mardi Gras favorites, including "Handa Wanda" and "New Suit." But when asked about his favorite song, Boudreaux said it would forever be "Somebody's Got to Sew, Sew, Sew," inspired by his own experience sewing suits all day and all night.
The Art of Masking
Sewing, singing, and masking have been Boudreaux's life rhythms for decades. He began masking at an early age and introduced his children and grandchildren to the tradition as young as 1-year old.
The Big Chief has not only created suits for himself but has also sewn suits for a plethora of others. When asked about his most memorable suit, he replied, "All of them," with a laugh. However, he keeps the suit featured on The Wild Magnolias album cover at his house. Many of his suits were passed down to his children and grandchildren when they were too young to sew.
Musical Roots and Grammy Recognition
Boudreaux's natural musicality extends to the studio. "I don't have to write anything down. If I know the direction, I let the musicians play, and I'll sing." His innovative use of instruments—from tambourines to wine bottles—shows that, in his world, music is life and can come from anything and anywhere.
While Boudreaux is now fully aware that he received a Grammy nomination for Live at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, he admitted, "I didn't know it was nominated until my manager called. When he told me, I said, 'That'll work.'"
This nomination was no surprise to the rest of us. Not only has he been nominated before, but he has also performed at Jazz Fest since its inception. "I know they record just about all my live performances."
Super Sunday and Legacy
Today, we know Super Sunday as the annual festival and parade that brings the Masking Indian tribes together for a friendly competition of who's the prettiest of them all. This tradition holds a special place in the Big Chief's heart because he was also a part of this inception. "It originally started when the downtown Indians approached the uptown Indians about a big parade. It would allow the elderly and others who couldn't get out on Mardi Gras to see us," he said. Although the tradition eventually split into separate uptown and downtown parades, the spirit of unity remains.
For Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, his journey is about more than music or accolades. It's about preserving a culture that is New Orleans and inspiring future generations to carry the flame forward.
