_Art by Randy “Frenchy” Frechette_

Big Chief Bo Dollis of the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indians passed away earlier today at the age of 71. The New Orleans icon, whose birth name was Theodore Emile Dollis, is widely credited with bringing the city’s unique Mardi Gras Indian culture to wider audiences. He was best known for recording The Wild Magnolisa, a seminal 1974 funk album that featured his longtime friend and collaborator Big Chief Monk Boundreaux, as well as guitarist Snooks Eaglin, saxophonist Earl Turbinton, keyboardist Willie Tee, drummer Larry Panna and percussionist Alfred “Uganda” Roberts.

Dollis, who performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival countless times throughout his life, is set to appear on the event’s official 2015 poster. The design, created by painter Randy “Frenchy” Frechette, was unveiled today.