Professor Longhair - New Orleans' most unusual piano player and recording artist. The short list of recordings detail the years before mega stars such as Little Richard and Fats Domino dominated the New Orleans music scene.

Professor Longhair was a performer "par excellance." His performances and recordings featured his unusual piano style. As such, very few of his recording were released as singles. Most of his works may be found on LP vinyl. Professor Longhair seemed to be a pure artist without regard for radio air play and commercial success. Professor Longhair gained popularity especially for his Mardi Gras music. The man could not be imitated with his piano style.

Professor Longhair

Born: - Henry Roeland "Roy" Byrd - December 19, 1918 - Bogalusa, LA
Died: January 30, 1980 - New Orleans, LA

Roy Byrd - (Mercury 8175 1950) She Ain't Got No Hair
Roy Byrd - (Mercury 8185 1950) Hadacol Bounce
Roy Byrd - (Atlantic SD 7225 1950) Boogie Woogie / Longhair's Blues
Roy Byrd - (Atlantic 897 1950) She Walks Right In
Roy Byrd - (Atlantic 906 1951) Walk Your Blues Away
Roy Byrd - (Federal 12073 1952) Rockin' With Fess
R&B song before using Professor Longhair as moniker
Professor Longhair - (Atlantic 1020 1953) Tipitina / In the Night
(Ebb 101 1957) No Butts, No Maybes
(Ebb 106 1957) Misery / Look What You're Doing to Me
(Ebb 121 1957) Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand / Looka No Hair
Ebb label owned by Mrs. Lee Rupe (wife of Art Rupe - founder of Specialty Records
Los Angeles, California
(Ron 329 1959) Go to the Mardi Gras
(Watch 45-1900 1964, Longhair - piano; Earl King - vocal) Big Chief, Part 1 / Part 2
Rhino 70736 LP 1971, "Mardi Gras in Baton Rouge," tracks: Since I Met You Baby; Fats Domino Medley
Professor Longhair - (CD Rounder 1987) "Houseparty New Orleans Style," recorded live 1971-1972 Memphis, TN -- track:Gonna Leave this Town
Professor Longhair - (vinyl LP AL-4718 1980 "Crawfish Fiesta") track: Red Beans)