Professor Longhair

American New Orleans R&B pianist from Bogalusa, Louisiana (1918-1980). Henry Roeland Byrd. 'Tipitina,' 'Big Chief,' 'Go to the Mardi Gras,' 'Mardi Gras in New Orleans.' The father of New Orleans piano — rumba, boogie-woogie, and blues fused into a rolling, syncopated style. Influenced Fats Domino, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint. Jazz Fest icon.