Product Description
This is a two-disc best-of collection (46 tracks total) of early singles from 1949-1957 by Professor Longhair, a leading New Orleans blues pianist who influenced artists such as Dr. John and Allen Toussaint. It includes his signature song "Mardi Gras in New Orleans" (first recording), his biggest hit "Bald Head," and other classics like "Tipitina" and "No Buts - No Maybes." His unique piano style, blending blues, rumba, and calypso, and his distinctive vocals are truly one of a kind. DISC 1 1. East St. Louis Baby 2. Been Foolin' Around 3. K.C Blues 4. Hadacol Bounce 5. Rockin' With Fess 6. Hey Now Baby 7. In The Night 8. Her Mind Is Gone 9. Ball The Wall 10. She Walks Right In 11. No Buts -No Maybes 12. Longhair's Blues Rhumba 13. Look What You're Doin' To Me 14. Professor Longhair Blues 15. Misery 16. Willie Mae 17. She Walks Right In 18. Looka No Hair 19. Hey Now Baby 20. Her Mind Is Gone 21. Professor Longhairs Boogie 22. Longhair Stomp 23. She Ain't Got No Hair 24. Tipitina DISC 2 1. Mardi Gras In New Orleans 2. Cry Pretty Baby 3. Mardi Gras In New Orleans 4. Gone So Long 5. Hey Little Girl 6. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand 7. Bye Bye Baby 8. Tipitina 9. Walk Your Blues Away 10. Longhair Stomp 11. Who's Been Foolin' 12. Between The Night And Day 13. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand 14. Mardi Gras In New Orleans 15. Boyd's Bounce 16. Bald Head 17. Hadacol Bounce 18. Byrd's Blues 19. Curley Haired Baby 20. Boogie Woogie 21. Between The Night And Day 22. Oh Well Professor Longhair, whose real name was Henry Roland Byrd, was a pianist born in New Orleans in 1918. He began his career as Professor Longhair in earnest in the 1940s. In 1949, he made his debut recordings of four songs, including his signature "Mardi Gras in New Orleans." In the 1950s, he recorded and had hits with famous songs such as "Bald Head," "Tipitina," and "Ball the Wall" for labels like Atlantic and Ron. He recorded under various names to avoid record contract issues. In the 1960s, his activity decreased sharply, and although he had a hit with "Big Chief" in 1964, he was practically retired. However, he made a comeback in 1971 with an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. In 1972, he released his first album, "New Orleans Piano," and in 1974, "Rock 'N' Roll Gumbo." In 1975, he performed at Paul McCartney's boat party, which was released in 1978 as "Live On The Queen Mary." In 1979, he recorded "Crawfish Fiesta" for Alligator, but passed away in 1980 at the age of 61.
