Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
During my trip to New Orleans last month, I started noticing hand-painted signs in music venues, bars, restaurants, and local shops, each with a unique yet familiar charm. Before long, I recognized the work of Simon of New Orleans, which instantly brought back memories of a show I worked on in October 2017 at Centre In The Square: Blackie and the Rodeo Kings.
Simon of New Orleans, whose full name is Simon Hardeveld, is a French-American folk artist celebrated for his colorful, whimsical hand-painted signs. Originally from France, Simon moved to New Orleans in the 1990s, becoming an integral part of the city's artistic community. His creations, often painted on reclaimed wood, stand out with their bold colors, playful lettering, and humorous or heartfelt messages. They perfectly capture the lively, quirky spirit of New Orleans and can be seen in businesses, galleries, and homes throughout the city.
Simon’s work has also been featured in collaborations, including album covers such as Blackie and the Rodeo Kings’ Swinging from the Chains of Love, as well as other merchandise. During my visit, I made a point to stop by his studio, immersing myself in his art and reflecting on the fascinating connection between Canadian and New Orleans culture—a bond likely influenced by Daniel Lanois and his legendary Kingsway Studio.
Kingsway Studio, housed in a historic New Orleans mansion, became a creative haven under Lanois, attracting artists and engineers who thrived on its experimental and atmospheric energy. Engineers like Mark Howard, Malcolm Burn, Adam Samuels, and Tony Mangurian helped shape Lanois' iconic ambient sound. Artists such as Chris Whitley, who recorded Living with the Law there, were profoundly impacted by the studio's distinctive vibe.
Canadian musicians, too, were drawn to Kingsway, including:
The Tragically Hip: Their 1992 album Fully Completely was recorded there, boasting an atmospheric depth that enhanced their storytelling.
Blue Rodeo: Their 1993 album Five Days in July was shaped by Kingsway’s creativity, producing timeless tracks like “Five Days in May” and “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet.”
Cowboy Junkies: Parts of Black Eyed Man were recorded at Kingsway, benefiting from its rich acoustics.
Colin Linden: A member of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and frequent Lanois collaborator, Linden worked and produced at Kingsway, merging blues, roots, and folk influences.
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings: Colin Linden, Tom Wilson, and Stephen Fearing shared deep ties to Lanois and Kingsway, directly or indirectly.
Since returning from New Orleans, I’ve been revisiting the music of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and the photos I took of their October 2017 performance at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square. It’s incredible to see how this creative thread ties New Orleans’ vibrant culture to Canada’s rich roots music scene.
Enjoy!
