radiators

Biography

The Radiators, often referred to as The New Orleans Radiators, are a seminal American rock band formed in January 1978 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The original lineup—Ed Volker (keyboards, vocals), Dave Malone (guitar, vocals), Camile Baudoin (guitar), Reggie Scanlan (bass), and Frank Bua (drums)—came together after a marathon jam session in Volker’s garage, leading all five musicians to leave their previous bands and devote themselves to the new project. The group quickly became a fixture of the vibrant New Orleans music scene, blending swamp rock, R&B, funk, soul, and Cajun and Creole influences into a distinctive style they dubbed 'Fish Head Music.'

The Radiators built a devoted following through relentless touring and legendary live performances, becoming regular headliners at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and earning a reputation for their eclectic setlists and improvisational prowess. Their dual-guitar sound drew comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band, and their songwriting—primarily driven by Volker—was both prolific and steeped in the traditions of New Orleans rhythm and blues. Over their 33-year career, the band released several albums, including 'Heat Generation' and 'Law of the Fish,' and achieved mainstream recognition with tracks like 'Doctor, Doctor.'

The band's legacy is deeply intertwined with the musical fabric of New Orleans, where they are celebrated for keeping the spirit of the city’s music alive during transitional decades. Their influence can be heard in the generations of local musicians who followed, and their genre-blending approach has left a lasting mark on the jam band and roots rock scenes.

Fun Facts

• The Radiators called their unique style 'Fish Head Music,' a term that became synonymous with their eclectic blend of New Orleans genres.
• All five original members quit their previous bands after a single five-hour jam session to form The Radiators.
• The band was a regular headliner at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for decades.
• Their dual-guitar sound often drew comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band, with whom they developed a friendship.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Professor Longhair - Major influence on the band's New Orleans R&B style; spiritual embodiment of Crescent City soul. (General inspiration, especially in piano-driven grooves and rhythmic complexity.) [1970s–1980s]
• Dr. John - Influence and early supporter; part of the New Orleans musical environment that shaped the Radiators. (General inspiration and occasional shared bills.) [1970s–1980s]
• Earl King - Direct collaborator and touring partner; helped the band gain credibility in New Orleans. (Touring collaborations.) [Early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Ed Volker - Founding member, primary songwriter, keyboardist, and vocalist. (All Radiators albums and live performances.) [1978–2011]
• Dave Malone - Founding member, guitarist, vocalist, and co-leader. (All Radiators albums and live performances.) [1978–2011]
• Camile Baudoin - Founding member, guitarist, and key architect of the band's dual-guitar sound. (All Radiators albums and live performances.) [1978–2011]
• Reggie Scanlan - Founding member and bassist, provided the backbone of the band's groove. (All Radiators albums and live performances.) [1978–2011]
• Frank Bua - Founding member and drummer, integral to the band's rhythmic style. (All Radiators albums and live performances.) [1978–2011]

Artists Influenced

• Galactic - Cited The Radiators as an influence in blending funk, rock, and New Orleans traditions. (General stylistic influence.) [1990s–present]
• Papa Grows Funk - Inspired by the Radiators' improvisational approach and commitment to New Orleans roots music. (General stylistic influence.) [2000s]
• Younger New Orleans jam bands - Inspired by the Radiators' genre-blending and live performance ethos. (General scene influence.) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. This Wagon's Gonna Roll (Law Of The Fish)
2. Like Dreamers Do
3. Like Dreamers Do (Law Of The Fish)
4. Zigzagging Through Ghostland (Zig-Zaggin' Through Ghostland)
5. Law Of The Fish (Law Of The Fish)
6. Never Let Your Fire Go Out (Total Evaporation)
7. Suck The Head (Law Of The Fish)
8. Party 'Till The Money Runs Out (Total Evaporation)
9. Holiday (Law Of The Fish)
10. Meet Me Down In Birdland (Zig-Zaggin' Through Ghostland)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia