Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker Backdrop Blur
Bayou Maharajah: The Tragic Genius of James Booker Poster

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.

Top Cast

  • James Booker

    James Booker

    Self (archive footage)

  • Dr. John

    Dr. John

    Self (archive footage)

  • Hugh Laurie

    Hugh Laurie

    Self

  • Harry Connick Jr.

    Harry Connick Jr.

    Self

  • Charles Neville

    Charles Neville

    Self

  • Douglas Brinkley

    Douglas Brinkley

    Self

  • Ronald Markham

    Ronald Markham

    Self

  • Cosimo Matassa

    Cosimo Matassa

    Self

Overview

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.

Rating

7.1 / 10
9 Reviews
0 Popular

Trailers & Clips

Recommendations

Beware of Mr. Baker

Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies. This documentary includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.

Beware of Mr. Baker

7.4 2012