“Because that live version of Tipitina, oh sweet Lord. If the record had nothing else on it, it would still be a treasure beyond price.” – Actor Hugh Laurie (House, Fry & Laurie) on Professor LonghairRead more
“The very first instrument I played was the bottom of my feet, workin’ out rhythms, tap dancing… We used to dance all up and down Bourbon Street.” – Henry Byrd, better known as Professor LonghairRead more
Professor Longhair unexpectedly died immediately before the release of his widely-regarded “comeback” album “Crawfish Fiesta”.Read more
Paul McCartney & Wings’ 1985 song “My Carnival” was dedicated to Professor Longhair, and recorded in New Orleans.Read more
A documentary film crew had been following Professor Longhair when he unexpectedly died in his sleep of a heart attack at 61. They captured Fess’s funeral & second line.Read more
Professor Longhair’s 1953 recording of “Tipitina” was added to the U.S. National Recording Registry in 2011.Read more
Widespread Panic keyboardist JoJo Hermann calls Professor Longhair among his all-time greatest influences.Read more
Dr. John played the guitar on Professor Longhair’s 1980 album “Crawfish Fiesta” on Alligator Records.Read more
Professor Longhair’s “Crawfish Fiesta” won a Blues Music Award (Then the W.C. Handy Awards) in 1980.Read more
The former home of Professor Longhair on 1738 Terpsichore St is now a museum dedicated to the New Orleans piano legend.Read more
Professor Longhair died in 1980, got a Grammy Award in 1988, inducted to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.Read more
Nobody knows what Professor Longhair’s rowdy, funky American classic song “Tipitina” was about.Read more
New Orleans venue Tipitina’s was founded to give Professor Longhair a standing place to play late in life. Its Tipitina Foundation non-for-profit still empowers children to learn music.Read more
Professor Longhair was set to open for The Clash on a national tour to support what would be his hit album, Crawfish Fiesta, when he died unexpectedly at 61.Read more
When Paul McCartney threw a private boat party, he famously hired Professor Longhair to play. The performance became Fess’ next album, “Live on the Queen Mary”.Read more
