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Ernie K-Doe

Biography

Ernie K-Doe, born Ernest Kador Jr. on February 22, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a flamboyant and influential figure in the city’s rich R&B tradition. Raised in a religious household as the son of a Baptist preacher, K-Doe’s earliest musical experiences were rooted in gospel, and he was particularly inspired by the passionate singing style of Archie Brownlee of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. After winning a local talent contest while attending Booker T. Washington High School, he moved to Chicago for a period before returning to New Orleans to pursue a career in secular music.

K-Doe began recording in the mid-1950s, first with the Blue Diamonds and then as a solo artist. His breakthrough came in 1961 with the Allen Toussaint-penned 'Mother-in-Law,' which topped both the Billboard pop and R&B charts and became his signature song. He followed this success with a string of regional hits, including 'Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta,' 'A Certain Girl,' and 'Hello My Lover,' all characterized by Toussaint’s production and the infectious rhythms of New Orleans R&B. Despite his early chart success, K-Doe struggled to maintain national prominence, and by the 1970s, personal challenges—including alcoholism—led to a period of obscurity. However, he experienced a late-career resurgence as a charismatic radio personality and proprietor of the Mother-In-Law Lounge, cementing his status as a beloved local icon.

K-Doe’s flamboyant persona, self-aggrandizing humor, and enduring musical legacy made him a revered figure in New Orleans culture. He was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and received the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. Until his death in 2001, K-Doe remained a celebrated ambassador of New Orleans R&B, influencing generations of musicians and delighting audiences with his larger-than-life presence.

Fun Facts

  • K-Doe discovered the song 'Mother-in-Law' in a studio trash can after Allen Toussaint discarded it, and convinced Toussaint to let him record it.
  • He was known for his extravagant self-promotion, often referring to himself as 'Emperor of the World' and using slogans like 'Burn, K-Doe, burn!' on his radio show.
  • In the 1990s, K-Doe opened the Mother-In-Law Lounge in New Orleans, where he performed regularly and became a local fixture.
  • Despite his fame, K-Doe experienced a period of hardship in the 1970s, at times singing on street corners for spare change before his later resurgence.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Archie Brownlee - K-Doe was deeply influenced by Brownlee’s gospel singing style, especially his passionate delivery as lead singer of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. (General vocal style influence) [1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

  • Allen Toussaint - Toussaint wrote, produced, and played piano on many of K-Doe’s biggest hits, including 'Mother-in-Law' and 'A Certain Girl.' ('Mother-in-Law', 'A Certain Girl', 'Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta', 'Hello My Lover') [1960–1965]
  • Benny Spellman - Provided the distinctive baritone backing vocals on 'Mother-in-Law.' ('Mother-in-Law') [1961]

Artists Influenced

  • Gulf Coast R&B bands - K-Doe’s songs became staples for regional bands, influencing the repertoire and style of New Orleans and Gulf Coast musicians. ('Mother-in-Law', 'A Certain Girl', 'Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta') [1960s–present]
  • Allen Toussaint - K-Doe’s performances helped establish Toussaint’s reputation as a songwriter and producer. (Toussaint’s early songwriting and production career) [1960s]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Mother-In-Law 1962-01-30 Album
A Certain Girl 2022-02-04 Album
I'm the Boss 1999 Album
Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta 2020-07-07 Album
Deluxe Collection (Remastered) 2021-07-09 Album
Mother-In-Law 2012-03-06 Album
Burn! K-Doe! Burn! 2006-04-14 Album
Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta 2020-07-07 Album
Loving You 2019-02-12 Album
You Just Good That's All 2015-05-01 Album
Here We Come 2025-06-25 Album
Mother-in-Law and More! 2024-02-16 Album
Ernie K. Doe 2023-05-05 Album
Ernie K. Doe 2023-05-05 Album
Artist • Producer • Songwriter (Deluxe Edition) 2023-02-28 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Mother-In-Law - Remastered (Mother-In-Law)
  2. A Certain Girl (A Certain Girl)
  3. Tain't It The Truth (Mother-In-Law)
  4. A Certain Girl (I'm the Boss)
  5. Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta - Remastered (Mother-In-Law)
  6. Hello My Lover (Mother-In-Law)
  7. Here Come the Girls
  8. Mother-in-Law - 2002 Remaster (Finger Poppin' And Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions For Minit Records 1960-1962 (2002 Remaster))
  9. I Cried My Last Tear (Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta)
  10. A Certain Girl - 2002 Remaster (Finger Poppin' And Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions For Minit Records 1960-1962 (2002 Remaster))

References

  1. louisianamusichalloffame.org
  2. 64parishes.org
  3. blackpast.org
  4. sunsetblvdrecords.com

Heard on WWOZ

Ernie K-Doe has been played 11 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 31, 202523:03Talking Out of My Headfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 1Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady
Dec 2, 202519:22Loving Youfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 150s R&Bw/ Neil Pellegrin
Nov 27, 202504:36Jump Into Your Lovefrom The Best Of Ernie K-DoeOvernight Music - Thursday
Nov 4, 202503:28Loving Youfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 1Overnight Music - Tuesday
Oct 25, 202508:27Mother-In-Lawfrom The Best Of Ernie K-DoeTraditional Jazzw/ Big Pete
Oct 23, 202512:44Here Come The Girlsfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 1New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici
Oct 1, 202511:20Loving Youfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 1New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen
Oct 1, 202511:17A Certain Girlfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 1New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen
Sep 30, 202520:00Loving Youfrom Here Come The Girls- A History 150s R&Bw/ Neil Pellegrin
Sep 24, 202511:25Mother-In-Lawfrom The Best Of Ernie K-DoeNew Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen

View all 11 plays