The Wild Magnolias

by Ron WynnThough more a ceremonial group than a performing or touring band, the New Orleans Mardi Gras "Indian Tribe" the Wild Magnolias issued a critically acclaimed LP for Polydor in 1974. Bo Dollis, Monk Boudreaux, June Johnson, Jr., Crip Adams, Tobias Johnson, Bubba Scott, and James Smothers brought the rich, fervent flavor of New Orleans to vinyl, backed by Willie Tee's band. The LP wasn't a huge seller, but it attracted so much media interest the Magnolias appeared at Carnegie Hall that year, as well as the Capitol Center in Washington D.C.