Author: Lee Pons
Today is the birthday of the funky, enigmatic, and wildly talented Professor Longhair, who’s outstanding life and music have touched millions for generations.
Today, we remember JAMES BOOKER on his birthday. In a region glutted with flamboyant musicians, Booker’s reputation as both a genius & a flake reached legendary proportions.
This time in our Behind The Keys series, we’ll take a look at the life of Memphis Slim. Slim brought his unique blues piano to the masses and helped to pioneer the popular sound of the blues in it’s 1950’s heyday.
A yard sale find from a hobby collector reveals personal musings and intricate details behind the father of the blues, W.C. Handy, and one of his most prolific works.
Fats Domino emerged from New Orleans to become one of rock-and-roll’s earliest and finest stars. With over 65 million record sales to his credit, he has had an incredible impact on music.
A real life Forrest Gump, Blind Tom was an autistic savant with an unheard of gift of piano. The first African-American to perform in the White House and the “last American slave”, his life was enigmatic.
The piano music that came from New Orleans played a preeminent role in the development of Jazz, Blues, and Rock music, and it’s legacy and rhythms continue to this day.
Dr. John is one of the most internationally celebrated musicians to come from New Orleans. After a half century of creating music, he’s still running fast and strong.
In a region glutted with flamboyant musicians, James Booker’s reputation as both a genius and a flake reached legendary proportions. He performed with style and wild improvisational frenzy.