BO DOLLIS JR.

Biography

Bo Dollis Jr., born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an award-winning performer, musician, and cultural educator who serves as Big Chief of the Wild Magnolias, a renowned Mardi Gras Indian tribe. Immersed in the Mardi Gras Indian tradition from an early age, Dollis Jr. began 'masking'—the ceremonial practice of donning elaborate beaded and feathered costumes—at just ten years old, following in the footsteps of his father, Bo Dollis Sr., a legendary figure who pioneered the Mardi Gras Indian funk sound. Dollis Jr.'s formative years were shaped by the vibrant musical and cultural heritage of New Orleans, and he quickly became a fixture in the city's music scene, making his first appearance with the Wild Magnolias at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as a pre-teen[1][2][4].

After the passing of his father in 2015, Dollis Jr. assumed leadership of the Wild Magnolias, officially becoming Big Chief. He has continued to evolve the group's sound, merging traditional Mardi Gras Indian rhythms with elements of funk, jazz, blues, soul, and even zydeco and reggae. His albums, including 'A New Kind of Funk' (2013) and 'My Name is Bo' (2021), showcase both traditional chants and contemporary amplified styles, reflecting his commitment to honoring the past while innovating for the future[1][4][5]. Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias have performed internationally, from Australia and Japan to England and Jamaica, and have graced prestigious stages such as the Summer Olympics and the White House. Their work has been recognized with awards, including the Jazz Award at the Ascona Jazz Festival in 2023[1].

Dollis Jr.'s legacy lies in his dedication to preserving and promoting the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, serving as a bridge between generations of New Orleans musicians and cultural bearers. His leadership and creative vision have ensured that the Wild Magnolias remain at the forefront of both local and global celebrations of New Orleans' unique musical heritage[1][2][4].

Fun Facts

• Bo Dollis Jr. masked for the first time at age ten, despite his father's warnings, and overcame stage fright during his first Jazz Fest appearance by dancing so enthusiastically that no one noticed it was his debut[2].
• His album 'Chip Off the Old Block' features a reimagining of Otis Redding’s 'Hard to Handle' alongside original compositions, blending Memphis soul with Mardi Gras Indian music[1].
• Bo Dollis Jr. and the Wild Magnolias have performed at the Summer Olympics and the White House, representing New Orleans culture on international stages[1].
• The album 'My Name is Bo' was recorded at the New Orleans Jazz Museum and features both traditional Mardi Gras Indian chants and contemporary styles, including funk, R&B, zydeco, and reggae[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bo Dollis Sr. - Father and predecessor as Big Chief; taught him Mardi Gras Indian traditions and performance (Wild Magnolias albums, live performances) [Childhood through 2015]

Key Collaborators

• The Wild Magnolias - Band members and tribe; ongoing collaboration as Big Chief (A New Kind of Funk (2013), My Name is Bo (2021)) [1990s–present]
• Hi Rhythm Section (Archie 'Hubbie' Turner, Rev. Charles Hodges, Leroy Hodges) - Collaborated on 'Chip Off the Old Block' album, blending Memphis soul with Mardi Gras Indian music (Chip Off the Old Block (2023)) [2023]
• Anjelika 'Jelly' Joseph - Guest lead vocals on 'Chip Off the Old Block'; member of Galactic and Tank and the Bangas (Chip Off the Old Block (2023)) [2023]
• Dr. John, Cyril Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Trombone Shorty - Shared stages and collaborated on various projects (Live performances, Take Me to the River project) [2010s–2020s]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans Center for Creative Arts students - Collaborated on educational and recording projects, inspiring young musicians (Face Value: The Illusions of Power and Money (2021)) [2021]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Tootie Ma (New Kind of Funk)
2. New Kind of Funk (New Kind of Funk)
3. Hey Now Baby (New Kind of Funk)
4. Fire Water Big Chief Got Plenty (New Kind of Funk)
5. Uptown Rulers - Professor Shorthair Remix (Uptown Rulers: The NOLA Breaks Singles)
6. My Name Is Bo (My Name Is Bo)
7. Liza Jane (New Kind of Funk)
8. Indian Blues (My Name Is Bo)
9. We da Wild Magnolias (My Name Is Bo)
10. Pretty Feathers (My Name Is Bo)

External Links

• Spotify