103 | 24 September 2023
Professor Longhair | 42 Parishes – The Historic New Orleans Collection
New Orleans Blues singer Henry Roeland “Roy” Byrd, known as Professor Longhair, or “Fess”, was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana on December 19, 1918. Regarded as a major influence on Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Malcolm John Rebennack Jr (Dr John). He began his career in 1948. The first version of his signagture song, “Mardi Gras In New Orleans”, was recorded in 1949. In 1957 he suffered a stroke. In 1964 he was working as a janitor to make a living. His career regained momentum in the 1970s and appeared at a number of jazz and blues festivals. “Baby let me hold your hand” is a re-working of a traditional song; it has also been re-worked by Bob Dylan and The Animals.
Professor Longhair died in New Orleans on January 30, 1980.
Released on 24 September 1965 on UK Sue WI 397. Did not chart.
14565
Sue Records UK 