The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (kicking off this weekend) isn't the only big spring show in town. The Ponderosa Stomp Festival and Concert may not have quite as high a profile, but for eight years the event, organized by anesthesiologist "Dr. Ike," has more than met its mission of "celebrating the unsung heroes of American music." The 2009 edition, April 28 and 29 at the House of Blues and other venues, will feature the Legendary Stardust Cowboy, the horn section that backed up Al Green, Dan [he wrote "The Letter"] Penn, a tribute to the great piano man/singer Eddie Bo, who passed away this year, and the Jean Knight, whose 1970s hit, "Mr. Big Stuff," is part of the French Quarter soundtrack (you can listen to it here). Knight is hoping recent toe surgery won't keep her from climbing the steps to the stage this year. Marc Silver spoke with the singer about her plans for the show.
Your toe might keep you away?
I can't wear the shoes I want to wear.
What kind?
Oh, I like glitter shoes, I'll be glittering.
Is the Stomp a special kind of concert?
Oh yeah, it's fun. It'll be real packed, packed with people. They love it.
Is "Mr. Big Stuff" your favorite song to sing?
"Big Stuff" is my favorite. But let me tell you, when I came across that song, I didn't like the melody. It sounded like some kind of church song.
Your version doesn't sound like a church song.
One of the guys helping the writers said, "Jeannie, everybody knows how sassy you are. Act like you're sacking a guy out." I put me, my attitude, into it.
Any cool clubs in New Orleans you'd recommend for those who can't make the Stomp?
To be honest, I don't go out so much. But there is this place, the Mid-City Bowling Lanes, they have people come there to sing. I did it this year.
Any tips on food?
I like the beignets in the quarter, I really do. At the French Market you get them.
What about restaurants?
Let me call my grandson. He might know a good place. [Speaks with grandson]. He said there's Galatoire's and Antoine's.
So you're a grandmother. Can I ask your age?
I'm old enough. I'm old as dirt.
My daughter wants to know, when you sang "Mr. Big Stuff," were you singing to anyone in particular?
To my ex-husband. We were separated at the time. After I got the song, I took him back so I would have somebody I know be on the road with me. Then he truly thought he was Mr. Big Stuff. I had to really put him in his place.
So you're not still together?
Oh no, I'm divorced from him.
Any advice for my daughter in affairs of the heart?
Tell her when a guy wants to get smart with her, tell him he thinks he's Mr. Big Stuff!
Jean Knight will perform with the New Orleans Revue on Wednesday, April 29th. You can read more of Marc's posts on National Geographic's Pop Omnivore blog.
Photo: (c) Joe Rosen, via the Ponderosa Stomp
One of the guys helping the writers said, "Jeannie, everybody knows how sassy you are. Act like you're sacking a guy out." I put me, my attitude, into it.
Any cool clubs in New Orleans you'd recommend for those who can't make the Stomp?
To be honest, I don't go out so much. But there is this place, the Mid-City Bowling Lanes, they have people come there to sing. I did it this year.
Any tips on food?
I like the beignets in the quarter, I really do. At the French Market you get them.
What about restaurants?
Let me call my grandson. He might know a good place. [Speaks with grandson]. He said there's Galatoire's and Antoine's.
So you're a grandmother. Can I ask your age?
I'm old enough. I'm old as dirt.
My daughter wants to know, when you sang "Mr. Big Stuff," were you singing to anyone in particular?
To my ex-husband. We were separated at the time. After I got the song, I took him back so I would have somebody I know be on the road with me. Then he truly thought he was Mr. Big Stuff. I had to really put him in his place.
So you're not still together?
Oh no, I'm divorced from him.
Any advice for my daughter in affairs of the heart?
Tell her when a guy wants to get smart with her, tell him he thinks he's Mr. Big Stuff!
Jean Knight will perform with the New Orleans Revue on Wednesday, April 29th. You can read more of Marc's posts on National Geographic's Pop Omnivore blog.
Photo: (c) Joe Rosen, via the Ponderosa Stomp
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