In this series, we're featuring classic Mardi Gras songs and the stories behind them.

This episode delves into Earl King and The Meters' intimitable hit 'Street Parade,' a song with an interesting history and musicianship behind it. "Every time you listen to 'Street Parade,' you can find something different about the song," says bassist George Porter, Jr. of The Meters.

The song was recorded at Cosimo Matassa's studio in 1969 but, due to business reasons, not released until twelve years later in 1981. 

"That's when the Meters was cooking then," Earl King said of the original 1969 session.

Listen to the full piece on this Mardi Gras classic below.