Professor Longhair

Biography

Professor Longhair, born Henry Roeland Byrd, defined the New Orleans piano sound with loping rhythms, rumba-tinged beats, and playful vocals that became foundational for rhythm and blues.

Though he often played outside the spotlight, his artistry remained a touchstone for artists who followed, proving that innovation flourishes in authentic expression, and he is memorialized at Mount Olivet Cemetery where fans still honor the unforgettable energy of his music.