Fess’, Professor Longhair is a Radio Free Amsterdam hall of fame artist, beloved by anybody who has visited New Orleans and experienced its rich musical underpinnings. We celebrate and honor Fess’ in many shows here.
In August 2018, an exhibit opened feauring. pianist Tom Worrell and conga drummer Uganda Roberts live. The exhibit is open until July 2019! The Lousiana State Museum writes:
“celebrates both the New Orleans Tricentennial and the Centennial of the birth of the most beloved and influential pianist in New Orleans history: Henry Roeland Byrd aka Professor Longhair. This exhibit showcases all things Fess starting with his origins and development to his early hits such as “Tipitinas,” “Mardi Gras In New Orleans,” and “Big Chief” to his 1970s comeback, his untimely death, and his continual presence in New Orleans since then.”
In another article featuring Me Got Fiyo, the Advocate quotes Jazz Museum music curator and Radio Free Amsterdam DJ, David Kunian:
“he took very different strains of music and combined them into something uniquely New Orleans and uniquely his. And he changed the way everyone plays the piano here.”
Visit the NOLA Jazz Museum website for more details:
–Steve Fly
JOHN SINCLAIR RADIO SHOW 257: ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY
Here is a special show from the Radio Free Amsterdam Archive, with John Sinclair and David Kunian together in 2009, celebrating the rich musical traditions of New Orleans, including Fess’.
David Kunian’s Kitchen Sink show on WWOZ continues for a second hour (viz. #256) in celebration of the Carnival season with more carefully selected Mardi Gras music by Dr. John, the Wild Magnolias, New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Re-Birth Brass Band, All That, Galactic, the Meters, and Professor Longhair.
The John Sinclair Foundation Presents
ALL ON A MARDI GRAS DAY
JOHN SINCLAIR RADIO SHOW 257
John Sinclair & David Kunian, WWOZ-FM, New Orleans, February 17, 2009 [20-0916]
Dr. John: All on a Mardi Gras Day
Dr. John: Mama Roux
Wild Magnolias: New Suit
New Orleans Nightcrawlers: Tchfuncta > On That Day
Wild Magnolias & Re-Birth Brass Band: Shallow Water O Mama
All That: Mardi Gras Day ‘99
Galactic & Soul Rebels & Juvenile: From the Corner to the Block
The Meters: Hey Pocky Way
Dr. John: Iko Iko
Wild Magnolias: Shoo Fly
Professor Longhair: Big Chief
A JOINT PRODUCTION
Hosted by John Sinclair & David Kunian for Radio Free Amsterdam
Produced & recorded by David Kunian at WWOZ-FM, New Orleans
Edited, assembled & annotated by John Sinclair
Executive Producer: Steve Pratt
Special thanks to Celia Sinclair, Frenchy, Chris Jones & Ashley Thibodeaux
© 2009, 2018 The John Sinclair Foundation
