From street parades to nightclubs, from church houses to dance halls, music is key to New Orleans' uniqueness. Drawn from the Smithsonian Folkways repository of classic New Orleans sounds, this collection treats us to the city's many musical veins, including jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, spirituals, and more. The Eureka Brass Band, Lonnie Johnson, Snooks Eaglin, Billie and De De Pierce, the first commercial recordings of Mardi Gras Indians, Champion Jack Dupree, Baby Dodds and other signature artists remind us why this musical city is admired around the world.