Born in Kenner, Louisiana, and brought up in New Orleans, Chris Kenner is one of the great unsung musicians in the history of the Crescent City. Kenner wrote the top hits ?Land of 1,000 Dances? and ?I Like It Like That? and the classic songs ?Sick and Tired,? ?Something You Got,? among others. His songs have been done by everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis and the Dave Clark Five to the J. Geils Band and Wilson Pickett. He worked with such geniuses as Dave Bartholomew, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and Earl Palmer. Kenner was not only famous for his songwriting skills, but he also was known for his laissez-faire, happy-go-lucky life style. Chris Kenner was a true New Orleans original. The program consists of Kenner's music and recollections and interviews about him from the people who knew him and worked with him including Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, James ?Sugar Boy? Crawford, Cosimo Matassa, Robert Parker, Tad Joans, Bobby McLaughlin, Red Morgan, and others.
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(04:57)
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In this short piece, the musicians who participated in the recording of the Mardi Gras standard "Handa Wanda" recall its origins and recording.
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Piece Description
Born in Kenner, Louisiana, and brought up in New Orleans, Chris Kenner is one of the great unsung musicians in the history of the Crescent City. Kenner wrote the top hits ?Land of 1,000 Dances? and ?I Like It Like That? and the classic songs ?Sick and Tired,? ?Something You Got,? among others. His songs have been done by everyone from Jerry Lee Lewis and the Dave Clark Five to the J. Geils Band and Wilson Pickett. He worked with such geniuses as Dave Bartholomew, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, and Earl Palmer. Kenner was not only famous for his songwriting skills, but he also was known for his laissez-faire, happy-go-lucky life style. Chris Kenner was a true New Orleans original. The program consists of Kenner's music and recollections and interviews about him from the people who knew him and worked with him including Allen Toussaint, Deacon John, James ?Sugar Boy? Crawford, Cosimo Matassa, Robert Parker, Tad Joans, Bobby McLaughlin, Red Morgan, and others.
Broadcast History
WWOZ - 4/07