James Carroll Booker III, more commonly known just as James Booker (1939–1983), was an American pianist known for his virtuosic skills and eclectic style that fused blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a child prodigy, demonstrating remarkable talent on the piano from a young age. His flamboyant playing style and presence earned him the moniker "the Black Liberace." Alongside his solo career, Booker's prowess as a session musician led him to work with a range of artists, including Fats Domino, Aretha Franklin, and Ringo Starr.

Booker's contributions to music are etched into the lineage of New Orleans rhythm and blues, with a legacy characterized by his innovative interpretations and compositions. His career was also marked by personal struggles, including battles with addiction and mental health issues, which would sometimes overshadow his public performances. Despite these challenges, live recordings like "True (Live At Tipitina's - 04/25/78)" and posthumous releases such as "The Lost Paramount Tapes" continue to showcase his incredible improvisational skills and his ability to captivate audiences. His untimely death at the age of 43 left a void in the music world, but his influence resonates in the jazz and blues scenes to this day. James Booker’s recordings, such as "Classified (Remixed & Expanded Edition)" and "Live from Belle Vue," capture the maverick spirit of a man often referred to as the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.

Genres

Jazz Blues

Louisiana Blues

New Orleans Blues

New Orleans Soul

Piano Blues

Related Artists

Dr. John

Fats Domino

Professor Longhair

Allen Toussaint

The Meters

Irma Thomas

Jon Cleary

Champion Jack Dupree

Marvin Gaye

Otis Redding

Ray Charles

Art Neville

Latest Release

True (Live At Tipitina's - 04/25/78)

James Booker•

Tipitina’s Record Club

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 5, 2023