Tipitina’s Throwing Professor Longhair 100th Birthday Bash
December 19 marks what would have been the 100th birthday of Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd – better known as Professor Longhair, the legendary New Orleans piano player who was a leading proponent of the Crescent City’s piano style. Hailed as “The Picasso of Keyboard Funk,” Byrd’s rhythmic gumbo of boogie woogie, Caribbean beats, and Second Line parade tempos influenced a litany of prominent musicians following in his footsteps. Fats Domino, Dr. John, Allan Toussaint, The Meters and The Radiators are among those who absorbed his pioneering sound.
To celebrate the centennial of his birth, a veritable “Who’s Who” of New Orleans music royalty will gather for The Professor Longhair 100th Tribute at Tipitina’s – a temple of music built by a coalition of fans to honor Byrd’s legacy. With musical director George Porter, Jr., at the helm, the evening will include performances by Ivan Neville, Jon Cleary, Marcia Ball, Zeke Fishhead, John “JoJo” Hermann, Cyril Neville, David Torkanowsky, Tom McDermott, Johnny Vidacovich, Stanton Moore, Topsy Chapman, Deacon John, Kermit Ruffins, C.R. Gruver, Joe Krown, Josh Paxton, Herlin Riley, Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, John “Papa” Gros, Chris Adkins, Tony DaGradi, Tom Worrell, Reggie Scanlan, Earl Gordon, June Yamagishi, Lance Ellis, Roger Lewis and more. Add New Orleans resident Harry Shearer of This Is Spinal Tap fame as Master of Ceremonies to the mix, and you’ve got all the right ingredients for an epic party.
Byrd, also affectionately known as “Fess,” died in 1980. But his presence looms large over New Orleans’ rich music scene and during Mardi Gras and The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Generations of New Orleans natives hit the streets for Mardi Gras to the familiar beats of “Go To The Mardi Gras” and his likeness sits atop the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest. A bronze bust of Professor Longhair greets patrons at the entrance of Tipitina’s, which opened in 1977 and is named for one of his songs. Inside, his larger-than-life image looks down over a stage steeped in the unique musical heritage that he helped to create.
Tickets are just $45 and can be purchased by clicking here. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit The New Orleans Musicians Clinic and Assistance Foundation, which provides occupational and comprehensive health care services to the city’s musicians, artists, performers, cultural workers and tradition bearers like the Mardi Gras Indians. For more information, click on the links below.
