Bogalusa Blues & Heritage Fest is going to ‘Fessaround’ on September 29

On Saturday, September 29 the Bogalusa Blues and Heritage Festival will celebrate the 100th birthday of “Professor Longhair,” Henry Roland Byrd. “Fess,” as he is often referred to, was born in Bogalusa on December 19, 1918 and remains one of the most preeminent performers that mark the rich musical history of Bogalusa.

“Professor Longhair” began his musical career in 1948 in New Orleans combining Boogie Woogie piano infused with Afro Cuban influenced rhythm and the blues. His early successes continued through the 1950’s during which time he recorded with Mercury, Atlantic and Federal Records as well as local labels such as Bogalusa’s own Studio In The Country.

As too often happens with many great artists, his career declined for about a decade but resurged in 1971 with an appearance at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and The Newport Jazz Festival. Beatles member Paul McCartney re-launched his European Career with appearances at The Montreaux Jazz Festival and a private, invitation only party, aboard the Queen Mary in England.

Fess was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1961 and has been credited with influencing Dr. John, Fats Domino, Huey Piano Smith and Allan Toussaint to name but a few. He was awarded a Grammy posthumously.

The “Fessaround” performance is scheduled for noon and will feature Tom Worrell, lead vocals and piano; Alfred “Uganda” Roberts, Reggie Scanlon, Tom Fitzpatrick, Keith Stone, Eddie Christmas and Maryilen Barbarain.

Other headliners at the two-day event, beginning September 28 will be Vasti Jackson, Kenny Neal, Ruthie Foster, Bobby Rush, and Sonny Landreth.

For more information go to www.bogalusablues.com.

This article originally published in the September 24, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.