Joyful, spiritual, soulful, funky, downright stanky - even if some of these terms didn't exist in the '50s, they all apply when it comes to the incredible sounds that emerged from New Orleans during the early R&B era. With a rich cultural heritage that blends European, African, and Carribean rhythms, it is no surprise that the Crescent City's contribution to R&B music was deep and lasting.

On the classic Longhair track, "Tipitina", the rhumba pattern is played in the bass drum, giving it that syncopated (a.k.a. "funky") New Orleans feel. The way this groove moves, you'd think you were listening to some funk track from the '60s or '70s! The fact that these grooves put the timekeeping on the snare drum (as opposed to the hi-hat) is indicative of another New Orleans tradition; second line and parade drumming.