Tipitina

Professor Longhair

Henry Byrd

Former New Orleans street hustler Henry Byrd started teaching himself piano in the early 1930s. He first learned to play on a piano with missing keys as his unique style reflects.In 1948 he negotiated a gig at the Caldonia Club where the owner gave him the stage name, Professor Longhair. After recording several singles in 1949 Byrd enjoyed his first and only national hit with the release of “Bald head” in 1950. He continued to record throughout the 1950s and into the ’60s when a gambling habit derailed his career.

Professor Longhair made a comeback of sorts during the 1970s with appearances at the Monteux, Heritage, and Newport jazz festivals. While participating in the filming of the documentary “Piano Players Rarely Ever Play Together” Henry Byrd died in his sleep on January 30, 1980.

Really The Blues is sponsored by Jazz on the Tube
Click here to Support US