James Booker

A true legend of New Orleans R&B, pianist James Booker was as flamboyant as anyone on the scene. (Dr. John's Night Tripper persona was in many ways just a psychedelic updating of Booker.) But with his blend of jazz, blues, soul, gospel, and boogie woogie, James Booker just about epitomized New Orleans music. A master of boogie-woogie stride piano who was much in demand as a sideman, Booker also made a number of solo records up until his death in 1983, including several hit R&B singles and the classic 1976 album JUNCO PARTNER.