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Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

20137.11h 30m

Overview

Bayou Maharajah explores the life and music of New Orleans piano legend James Booker, the man Dr. John described as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced." A brilliant pianist, his eccentricities and showmanship belied a life of struggle, prejudice, and isolation. 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
Written by Lily Keber, Aimée Toledano, Tim Watson
Produced by Lily Keber, Nate Kohn
0

Top Cast

James Booker

James Booker

Self (archive footage)

Dr. John

Dr. John

Self (archive footage)

Hugh Laurie

Hugh Laurie

Self

Harry Connick Jr.

Harry Connick Jr.

Self

Charles Neville

Charles Neville

Self

Douglas Brinkley

Douglas Brinkley

Self

R

Ronald Markham

Self

Cosimo Matassa

Cosimo Matassa

Self

Themes & Keywords

jazznew orleans, louisianawoman directorpianojames booker

About Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker is a documentary, music film released in 2013 exploring themes of jazz, new orleans, louisiana, woman director, piano, james booker. Directed by Lily Keber, it stars James Booker, Dr. John, Hugh Laurie. Bayou Maharajah explores the life and music of New Orleans piano legend James Booker, the man Dr. John described as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced." A brilliant pianist, his eccentricities and showmanship belied a life of struggle, prejudice, and isolation. Illustrated with never-before-seen concert footage, rare personal photos and exclusive interviews, the film paints a portrait of this overlooked genius.

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