“If I’m so great, I wonder why I don’t have some terrific contract.” ~ Professor Longhair, Interview (1976)

Professor Longhair (December 19, 1918 – January 30, 1980; born Henry Roeland Byrd, also known as Roy “Bald Head” Byrd and as Fess) was a New Orleans blues singer and pianist. Professor Longhair is noteworthy for having been active in two distinct periods, both in the heyday of early rhythm and blues, and in the resurgence of interest in traditional jazz after the founding of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

You will be hard-pressed to find any musician in New Orleans who is NOT influenced by the great “Fess”. He is immortalized at the world-famous music venue, Tipitinas. He is there when you walk in to greet you with a smile and loan a rub of his head for good luck.