Ernie K-Doe
Ernie K-Doe (February 22, 1936 - July 5, 2001), was an African American rhythm and blues singer.
Early career
Born Ernest Kador, Jr., in New Orleans, Louisiana, K-Doe is perhaps best known for colorful personality and his 1961 hit song in, "Mother-In-Law" that went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. K-Doe predicted that the only currently familiar tunes which will still be known in 1,000 years are "The Star Spangled Banner" and his "Mother In Law". His next biggest hit was "Certain Girl".
In the 1980s he did radio shows on New Orleans community station WWOZ. The shows were known for his explosively energetic announcements and frequent self promotion (occasionally causing problems for the non-commercial station). K-Doe's catch phrases included "Burn, K-Doe, Burn!" "I'm a Charity Hospital Baby!" and (addressed to himself) "You just good, that's all!". For a time he billed himself as "Mister Naugahyde" until he was ordered to desist by the owners of the Naugahyde trademark. K-Doe then explained that it was a misunderstanding; he was actually referring to himself as "Mister M-Nauga-Ma-Hyde", a word he invented himself.
Emperor
In the 1990s he began billing himself as "The Emperor of the Universe" and wearing a cape and crown. He became a famous local eccentric on the New Orleans scene. He continued performing and occasionally recording until shortly before his death. One of K-Doe's most notable later recordings was "White Boy, Black Boy." While best known as a singer, he was also an accomplished drummer.
Death
Ernie K-Doe died in 2001 and, after a traditional jazz funeral, was interred in the 200-year-old Duval tomb in Saint Louis Cemetery #2, in his native New Orleans. He had burial space in his father's family cemetery in Irvinville, LA, but his widow, Antoinette, as well as his fans and friends in New Orleans, wanted his remains in the city, so the Duval family offered him some of their burial space. He is buried in the same tomb with his second mother-in-law, with whom he was very close, and his best friend, legendary Earl King. His widow, Antoinette K-Doe, continues to operate his music club/bar, "Ernie K-Doe's Mother-In-Law Lounge," which houses a life-size statue of K-Doe himself. The club was severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina in late 2005 and had to shut down. With the help of the Hands On Network and the musical artist, Usher Raymond, Antoinette reopened the Mother-in-Law Lounge on August 28, 2006 in its original location at 1500 N. Claiborne Avenue.
Antoinette also led a tongue-in-cheek campaign for K-Doe's election for mayor of hurricane-ravaged New Orleans in 2006, five years after his death. She is quoted as saying "He's the only one qualified -- that's my opinion". [1] Although K-Doe's name did not appear on the ballot, "his" campaign generated revenue from T-shirt and bumper sticker sales. Antoinette used the proceeds from these sales toward rebuilding the Mother-In-Law Lounge, as well as providing help to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic, both of which were damaged by Hurricane Katrina.