"Mardi Gras Mambo" is one of the iconic songs frequently played during the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It was written in 1953 by Frankie Adams and Lou Welsch, and originally recorded as a country and western single by Jodie Levens. Huey Bourgeois was the original guitarist. It was re-recorded in 1954 by The Hawketts, a group of New Orleans teenage musicians featuring 17-year-old Art Neville (later of The Meters) on lead vocals. The Hawketts' version was released on Chess Records and became a rhythm and blues hit. "Mardi Gras Mambo" has since been recorded by The Meters, Buckwheat Zydeco, and many other artists.