This Sunday, the spirit of the “Piano Prince of New Orleans” will take over Preservation Hall with a visual and musical telling of his story at a James Booker tribute event.

The day will start with a screening of Lily Keber’s award-winning documentary “Bayou Maharajah” detailing the complexities of Booker’s as a musical genius who struggled with addiction. The documentary will be followed by a piano tribute to Booker’s music by David Torkanowsky, George Porter Jr. and Herlin Riley.

Son of a Baptist preacher, Booker’s prodigal talent was discovered soon after his birth on December 17, 1939. He formed his first band, Booker Boy Band and the Rhythmaires, at Xavier Preparatory School. Among the bandmates was classmate Art Neville.

After Booker’s affair with drugs cut his time at Southern University in Baton Rouge short, he spent his adult life producing music and playing with some the musical greats of the time, including Aretha Franklin, Ringo Starr, Harry Connick Jr., Fats Domino and Dr. John.

Dr. John has described Booker as “the best black, gay, one-eyed junkie piano genius New Orleans has ever produced.”

Booker served six months of a two-year sentence in Angola prison after he was arrested for possession of heroin in 1970. He developed a music program for his fellow inmates and received early parole for his good behavior.

After 1978, he started a regular Tuesday night performance at the Maple Leaf Bar and frequently performed at the Toulouse Theater. His shows gained fame for their length, quality and notorious wildness. Booker died on November 8, 1983 in the waiting room of Charity Hospital.

The doors open at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22. Tickets can be purchased for the film screening, the performance or both here.