Professor Longhair, born Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd on December 19, 1918, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, stands as a towering figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues. Known for his distinctive piano playing style that blended rumba, mambo, and calypso with blues, jazz, and boogie-woogie, he became an integral part of the New Orleans music scene. With a career that ebbed and flowed, Professor Longhair achieved prominence in the late 1940s and early 1950s but faced a period of obscurity before a resurgent interest in his music in the 1970s brought him back into the spotlight.

Professor Longhair's influence on New Orleans music is immeasurable. Songs like "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" and "Tipitina" have become anthems of the city's cultural heritage. His body of work continued to grow posthumously, with collections such as "House Party New Orleans Style: The Lost Sessions 1971-1972" and "Big Easy Strut: The Essential Professor Longhair" offering fresh insights into his genius. Through recordings such as "Live In Germany" and posthumous releases that celebrated his inimitable style and spirit, Professor Longhair's legacy endures, solidifying his status as the "Bach of Rock" and an eternal icon of the Big Easy's musical identity. Sadly, Professor Longhair passed away on January 30, 1980, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the history of American music.

Genres

Blues

Boogie-woogie

Louisiana Blues

Memphis Blues

New Orleans Blues

New Orleans Soul

Piano Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Dr. John

Fats Domino

Allen Toussaint

The Meters

Irma Thomas

James Booker

Champion Jack Dupree

Marvin Gaye

Ray Charles

Huey "Piano" Smith

Art Neville

Earl King

Latest Release

Fess at Home

Professor Longhair•

Tipitina’s Record Club

Album - 12 Tracks - Released August 20, 2021