Jazz was born in New Orleans, and so was percussionist/songwriter Chief Smiley Ricks. Founder and Big Chief of the Wild Renegade Hunters tribe, Chief Smiley is the real deal -- a genuine Black Mardi Gras Indian Chief. In the great New Orleans musical tradition, Chief Smiley has played it all -- from brass band and second-line to R&B, swampfunk and zydeco.
     When Smiley unleashes his high-voltage percussion and haunting vocals, no one can keep still. Deeply rooted in the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian tradition (a spirited blend of Afrcian and Native American cultures), Smiley started at the age of eleven, and for eight years has been the fire in Dr. John's band, playing congas and providing vocals. He toured Internationally with Dr. John and is featured on the Grammy-winning album "Goin' Back to New Orleans", and can also currently be found bringing The Beat Funky to the award-winning New Orleans Nightcrawlers brass band.