Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker
New York Premiere!
Director Lily Keber in person for Q&A!
“The best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced!” “The Black Liberace!” “Piano Prince of New Orleans!” Who was this guy and how did he lose that eye? Booker was a musical genius who started with classical training when he was 12; released his first recording at 15 and began performing in clubs at 16; taught Dr. John to play the organ; tutored Harry Connick Jr.; toured in Europe; went to prison; played a unique piano style that combined classical, jazz, blues and ragtime; and died young of drug and alcohol abuse. Lily Keber’s vibrant documentary captures it all through performance footage and interviews with Booker’s friends, supporters and fellow musicians.