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Celebrating the Birthday of Professor Longhair

Pianist and singer Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd, better known as Professor Longhair, or “Fess” for short, was born on December 19, 1918, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Learning to play on a piano that was missing some keys influenced his distinctive and instantly recognizable playing style. He began his career in New Orleans in 1948, the heyday of early rhythm and blues. The first version of his signature song, “Mardi Gras in New Orleans”, was recorded in 1949, and his only national commercial hit came in 1950 with “Bald Head”. During the 1950s, he recorded his favorites, “Tipitina” and “Go to the Mardi Gras”, and in 1964 he first recorded “Big Chief” with Earl King, the song’s composer. While he may not have achieved wide success during this time, he influenced many other New Orleans musicians, including Fats Domino, Dr. John and Allen Toussaint. 

In the 1960s, Professor Longhair disappeared from the music scene, and he supported himself as a janitor. But, in 1971, he performed at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and his career received a well-deserved renaissance. He performed at the Newport and Montreux Jazz Festivals, toured the United Kingdom, and recorded a live album in 1975. His albums became available across America by the 1980s.  Sadly, Professor Longhair died in his sleep on January 30, 1980, while filming the documentary Piano Players Rarely Ever Play Together which costarred Allen Toussaint and Tuts Washington. In recognition of his great talent and contribution to music, in 1981 Longhair was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. In 1987, he was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award for his early recordings released as House Party New Orleans Style, and in 1992, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Today we remember Fess and celebrate his life and many contributions to the music we love so much!

Celebrating the Birthday of James Booker

Singer and New Orleans rhythym and blues keyboardist James Carroll Booker, III, was born in New Orleans on December 17, 1939. His unique style combined rhythm and blues with jazz standards. Booker was the son and grandson of Baptist ministers, both of whom played the piano. He attended the Xavier Academy Preparatory School, becoming highly skilled in classical music, and also combining elements of stride, blues, gospel and Latin piano styles in his performances. Booker made his recording debut in 1954 with "Doin' the Hambone" and "Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby", produced by New Orleans legend Dave Bartholomew. In 1960, Booker's "Gonzo", reached number 43 on the Billboard chart and number 3 on the R&B record chart, followed by some moderate success. Unfortunately, he began abusing drugs, serving a brief sentence in Angola Prison for drug possession in 1970. 

In 1974, Booker played organ in Dr. John's Bonnaroo Revue touring band, and during this period, he appeared on albums by Ringo Starr, John Mayall, The Doobie Brothers, Labelle and Maria Muldaur. His 1975 performance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival earned him a recording contract that produced the album, Junco Partner. Booker recorded a number of albums while touring Europe in 1977, and from 1978 to 1982, he was the house pianist at the Maple Leaf Bar in uptown New Orleans. Booker's last commercial recording, Classified, made in 1982, was completed in four hours. Sadly, Booker's mental and physical condition had deteriorated. Tragically, Booker died on November 8, 1983, while seated in a wheelchair in the emergency room at New Orleans' Charity Hospital, waiting to receive medical attention.

New Orleans legend Dr. John described Booker as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced." While Booker left us far too soon, we can celebrate his immeasurable contribution to music on his birthday.

Photo by: Lionel decoster - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15835160

Celebrating the Birthday of Art Neville

Three-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and keyboardist Lanon “Art” Neville was born in New Orleans on December 17, 1937. He was a founding member of The Meters, The Funky Meters, and part of one of New Orleans’ storied musical families, the Neville Brothers. He was best known for New Orleans funk, soul, and rhythm and blues, and was a staple in the New Orleans music scene for five decades. He performed on many recordings by noteworthy artists from New Orleans and elsewhere, including Paul McCartney, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Labelle, Robert Palmer and Lee Dorsey. Neville’s musical style helped set the tone of New Orleans funk, influencing upcoming musical styles such as hip-hop as well as jam bands including Galactic, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Phish. Sadly, Art passed away on July 22, 2019, at the age of 81, but his music lives on. Today let’s remember Art and celebrate his legacy. 

Photo by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/robbiesaurus/

Happy 89th Anniversary, Pat O'Brien's!

Pat O’Brien ran a speakeasy in New Orleans’ French Quarter, until the repeal of Prohibition, and officially opened the bar on December 3, 1933. Pat O’Brien’s became one of the most iconic nightclubs in the United States, partly by mixing plentiful rum with passion fruit and putting it in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, and by originating the popular form of dueling piano entertainment where the audience dictates the show. No visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Pat O’Brien’s!