Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

1h 30m
DocumentaryMusic
7.1

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.

Cast

James Booker
Self (archive footage)
Dr. John
Self (archive footage)
Hugh Laurie
Self
Harry Connick Jr.
Self
Charles Neville
Self
Douglas Brinkley
Self
Ronald Markham
Self
Cosimo Matassa
Self

Crew

Lily Keber
Director, Writer, Producer
Aimée Toledano
Writer, Editor
Tim Watson
Writer, Editor
David S. White
Director of Photography
Nate Kohn
Producer
Melanie Innis
Art Direction

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