Henry Roeland Byrd
- Born:
- December 19, 1918, Bogalusa, Louisiana, USA
- Died:
- January 30, 1980, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Pianist, Singer, Songwriter
- Also Known As:
- Professor Longhair
Early Life and Education
- Born to Slim Byrd and Beatrice Hall Byrd.
- Largely self-taught musically.
- Began playing piano professionally in the 1940s.
Career and Major Achievements
- Pioneered a unique style of New Orleans rhythm and blues.
- Became a central figure in the post-World War II New Orleans music scene.
- Experienced a career revival in the 1970s.
- Performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival regularly.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | New Orleans Piano | Atlantic Records |
| 1964 | Professor Longhair Plays New Orleans Blues | Folkways Records |
| 1972 | The London Concert | GNP Crescendo Records |
| 1974 | Rock 'n' Roll Gumbo | Dancing Cat Records |
| 1980 | Crawfish Fiesta | Alligator Records |
Legacy and Impact
Henry Roeland Byrd, better known as Professor Longhair, was one of the most important figures in the history of New Orleans rhythm and blues. Exploring the nuances of understanding a 'professor long hair biography of michael' (referring here to a general exploration of his life story and musical legacy, as "Michael" is not his name), underscores the significant contributions Byrd made to American music. His piano style, characterized by a distinctive rolling bass line and complex syncopation, heavily influenced generations of musicians. He is regarded as a foundational artist of New Orleans music.