It’s been forty years since the release of New Orleans pianist James Booker’s explosive live album, Blues and Ragtime From New Orleans. Once referred to by Dr. John as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius that New Orleans has ever produced,” Booker’s life was beyond fascinating and like many artists wasn’t fully realized until long after his death. A New Orleans native, Booker was born in 1939 and died at the tragically young age of forty-four. Still, New Orleans remembers him well and fondly.

BAYOU MAHARAJAH explores the life, times and music of piano legend James Booker, who Dr. John described as "the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced."