Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

90 mins | Documentary | March 14, 2013

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.

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker

90 mins | Documentary | March 14, 2013

Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker
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.
IMDb rating 7.6
Producers Mairzy Doats Productions
Original title Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker
Directors Lily Keber
Writers Tim Watson, Aimée Toledano, Lily Keber

Cast

James Booker

as Self (archive footage)

Dr. John

as Self (archive footage)

Hugh Laurie

as Himself

Harry Connick Jr.

as Himself

Charles Neville

as Himself

Douglas Brinkley

as Himself

Ronald Markham

as Himself

Cosimo Matassa

as Himself