A wild genius with a style that combined elements of rhythm-and-blues, jazz, ragtime and classical music, he gained the nicknames “Piano Prince of New Orleans,” “Black Liberace” and “Bayou Maharajah.”
Illustrated with never-before-seen concert footage, rare personal photos and exclusive interviews, the film paints a portrait of this overlooked genius.
Directed by Lily Keber
Role
- Co-Producer
Awards
- Best Southern Film, Oxford American
- Audience Award Winner, New Orleans Film Festival
- Documentary of the Year, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities
”Nothing is overstated or made lurid here, nor is this beautiful filmic reflection of a deeply talented and troubled man a romanticized account. Instead, to the extent possible with such an enigmatic artist, the great James Booker is instead found, studied and deeply respected in a careful, wonderful film."
David Simon
About the Film
Bayou Maharajah explores the life and music of New Orleans piano legend James Booker. Featuring interviews with Harry Connick Jr., Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John and Hugh Laurie, as well as never-before seen live performances, archival photographs and original stories, the film brings to life the unforgettable story of an American genius.
Who Was James Booker?
Dr. John described James Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.” James Booker was a genius and a virtuoso. He played classical, blues, gospel, jazz and other genres, but the connections he made on the keyboard remain original, idiosyncratic. He is a genre all of his own.